WPBS-TV Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May

WATERTOWN, NY (May 8, 2024) – Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed each May to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to American history, culture, and achievements. WPBS is pleased to present special programming to celebrate this important month, including:

Friday, May 10

To Be Takei (9:00 pm)

This award-winning documentary features Star Trek legend, marriage equality advocate, and spokesperson for racial justice – superstar George Takei. Best known for his groundbreaking role of Hikaru Suluon a certain epic starship and its multi-ethnic crew, Takei is one of the most visible Asian-American actors of all time, inspiring generations of fans.

Sunday, May 12

House in the Garden: Shofuso and Modernism (2:00 pm)

Stunning visual explorations of three architecturally significant sites in the Philadelphia region highlight the influence of traditional Japanese architecture on four masters of modernist architecture and design. The environmentally and culturally sensitive design philosophies of George Nakashima, Junzo Yoshimura, and Antonin and Noemi Raymond continue to influence architecture and design today.

P.O.W.: Passing on Wisdom (3:00 pm)

Vietnam Prisoners of War recall their experiences and the inspirational story of how they not only survived their imprisonment but found growth and gratitude afterwards. Their stories are juxtaposed with those of recent Naval Academy Midshipmen who are facing the COVID pandemic and applying those same foundational values to their own experiences.

About WPBS

WPBS is a PBS station serving approximately 650,000 households throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario via cable, satellite, Internet and over-the-air distribution. WPBS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, inform, and engage its two-nation region with exceptional and trusted content across multiple platforms. Its vision is to be the premier provider of extraordinary public media that instills wonder and curiosity across generations and borders. More information about WPBS, including a full channel listing, is available at wpbstv.org, or by following WPBS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.