Doraville’s First Annual AAPI Heritage Celebration: A Beautiful Tribute to Culture, Community, and Unity

Awesome Team
Jun 6
3 min read

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the City of Doraville proudly hosted its first annual Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPIH) Celebration, a powerful community event co-hosted by The Awesome Team Foundation, GFCBW–Atlanta Chapter, Atlanta Taiwan Chamber of Commerce (ATCC), Doraville Library Friends, Doraville Seniors, and the Atlanta Chinese Cultural School (CCS).

From 12 PM to 5 PM, the Forest Fleming Arena came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Asia-Pacific region as hundreds of attendees gathered to celebrate cultural heritage, community pride, and unity.

🎉 Honoring Leadership and Community

The celebration opened with a powerful lion dance by the Atlanta Chinese Cultural School, energizing the crowd and setting a festive tone.

Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman delivered a heartfelt welcome, offering strong affirmation and support for the city’s vibrant Asian American community. His leadership in fostering a more inclusive Doraville was felt and appreciated throughout the day.

We were honored to welcome a number of officials and dignitaries, including:

Lorraine Johnson, CEO of DeKalb County
Rep. Long Tran, Georgia State Representative
Robert Patrick, DeKalb County District 1 Commissioner
General Maeda, Consul General of Japan
Jack Lumpkin, Director of DeKalb Public Safety
Greg Padrick, DeKalb County Sheriff
Darnell Fullum, DeKalb Fire Chief

Their presence underscored the importance of community solidarity and cultural appreciation across all levels of leadership.

🌟 Cultural Performances that Moved the Crowd

The event was seamlessly hosted by two outstanding emcees — Sachi Koto, former CNN Headline News anchor, Japanese American journalist, and founder of Who's Who in Asian American Communities (WWAAC), led the first half of the celebration. The second half was hosted by Teacher He Peijun of the Atlanta Chinese Cultural School, whose warmth and energy carried the event through to its joyful conclusion. Their presence and professionalism brought structure, style, and spirit to the day’s festivities.

Cultural performances highlighted the beauty, diversity, and creativity of the AAPI community, with memorable acts including:

GugAk Korean Traditional Dance Company
JC Chinese Music Ensemble
Sara Wang Chinese Classic Dance (Adult Class)
Morningstar Dance Academy
Ikabana Flower Demonstration
Crescent KPOP
Darin Sun Martial Arts
Deru Academy
Laotian American Society

Each performance reflected deep cultural traditions while celebrating modern expressions of identity and pride.

🍱 Food, Fun & Hands-On Culture

The celebration also featured a lively array of cultural and food booths, offering attendees the chance to explore, taste, and create. From savory bites to handcrafted art, the booths included:

The Awesome Team Foundation
Sherry’s Famous Bubble Tea & Shaved Ice
Eagles Team – World System Builder
JC Fine Design
Japanese Ikebana Flower Arrangements
Bread Connection Bakery
Sushi Ming
Jerry Wu’s Famous Chicken
Win Win Ring Toss
World China Women’s Entrepreneurship Association – Atlanta Chapter
Doraville Library Friends / Doraville Seniors
Atlanta Chinese Culture School & Doraville Art: Paper Cutting & Rolling Demonstrations
Thai Association of Georgia
Pu’er Temple
Atlanta Chinese Federation
Master Wen

In addition, the Doraville Canine Team and DeKalb Fire Department hosted interactive public safety exhibits, giving children and families a close-up look at the roles of everyday heroes in our community.

🌸 A Celebration Rooted in Culture, Growing in Unity

This celebration of AAPI Heritage Month not only showcased the richness and diversity of Asian cultures but also reflected Doraville’s commitment to inclusion, unity, and community-building.

The day ended with applause, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that will surely grow stronger in the years to come.

👏 A heartfelt thank you to all performers, vendors, sponsors, organizers, volunteers, and attendees for bringing this vision to life.

💫 We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year! Save the date for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Celebration in Doraville — it will be even bigger, brighter, and more beautiful.

#AAPIH2025 #DoravilleCelebrates #CultureCommunityConnection #UnityInDiversity #AwesomeTeamFoundation