AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Heritage and History in SLO

 
 

Engage with AAPI-led organizations in SLO

With a wide variety of vibrant events, educational resources and social activities, connect with SLO’s AAPI community through one of their local organizations. One such organization is AAPI SLO, a community & safe space to discuss and take action on global and local AAPI culture and justice. With such an active and engaged AAPI community on the Central Coast and in SLO, we invite you to share groups like this one with friends and family, including:

Want to learn all about Asian American history on the Central Coast and in San Luis Obispo? Research using one SLO High School student’s website (Emily Pan) at centralcoastasianhistory.org where Pan worked with Cal Poly professors, the History Center of San Luis Obispo, and local historians to document Asian American history here on the Central Coast.

Purchase AAPI-owned brands at the co-op

Since the pandemic started in March 2020, Asian-owned businesses and restaurants have seen a significant drop in sales, and some had to close shop altogether — either due to COVID-19 restrictions or racial discrimination against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. To support AAPI-owned brands, purchase AAPI-owned foods and products at the co-op that will share the vibrant culture in your home and through the foods we enjoy. AAPI-owned brand available at the co-op include:

& many more!

Support local AAPI-owned businesses directly

San Luis Obispo was built by Chinese labor, where in the 1870s, Ah Louis (Wong On) was one of the first Chinese immigrants in San Luis Obispo. He founded the Ah Louis store and was also a labor contractor, securing 160 Chinese laborers for the construction of the Cuesta Grade Road, railroads, and mining or draining of the Laguna Lake Area. During this time, there was statewide Chinese racism, resulting in systemic and ongoing oppression for the AAPI community. Today, the AAPI community fosters wellbeing and cultivates a community of businesses that make SLO brighter and more equitable. Businesses like these that we highly recommend visiting and trying out their amazing array of products and foods include: