Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) is proud to recognize our AAPI community and their contributions to the strength and vibrancy of our communities. 

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During this month and throughout the year, we are committed to elevating the voices, experiences, and perspectives of Club members, staff, and communities as part of BGCSF’s ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. 

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We are pleased to share personal reflections from youth and staff on the ways in which their AAPI heritage has shaped their identity. 

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"I am the child of immigrants. Both of my parents immigrated to America as teens in 1986. As the eldest, my mom had to take care of her younger sisters while my Po Po (grandma) worked to provide for their family. My mom was 13 years old, filling out school forms and taking care of her elementary-aged siblings. 

During this time, my Gong Gong (grandpa) split his time between Hong Kong and the US due to business he still had at home. To me, AAPI Month serves as a reminder to acknowledge and admire the hard work and sacrifice that our families have given for generations. If my parents hadn’t immigrated here, I never would have had the opportunity to become the 2023 Excelsior Clubhouse Youth of the Year!”

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"Reflecting on my roots and the journey my family has taken to get where we are today is an essential part of what AAPI Heritage Month means to me. This month provides an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures and to honor the contributions that members of these communities have made to our society. But it's also a time to recognize and address the struggles and challenges that AAPI individuals face, both historically and in the present day.

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As an AAPI individual, I value the chance to share my story and connect with others who may have had similar experiences. It's through these conversations that we can build empathy and understanding and work together to combat discrimination and prejudice. I believe that taking the time to listen to the stories and perspectives of others is crucial in fostering an inclusive and equitable society.

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AAPI Heritage Month is a reminder that our differences are what make us unique and should be celebrated rather than used to divide us. It's a time to appreciate the beauty and richness of AAPI cultures while acknowledging the hardships that many members of these communities have faced. I hope that through increased awareness and understanding, we can move towards a future where all individuals are valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity.”

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“My father fought in the Vietnam War. And my mom and a few of his brothers pushed him to move to America, where our family had a better chance of surviving life and being happy. My family’s story is remarkably like many other Asian Americans currently living in America now. This perspective shapes my approach to working with our youth and families from different backgrounds at the Club every day.”