AAPI Heritage Month is always a celebration of history, but this year, it felt like something more. It was a month fueled by hope, unity, and powerful reminders of how art can bridge the gaps between us.
Across Houston, artists and cultural leaders did more than just showcase traditions; they revealed how those traditions can open doors to belonging, healing, and connection. Among these leaders were Sonny K. Mehta, founder of Riyaaz Qawwali; the Filipino Young Professionals of Houston (FYP); and Lavanya Rajagopalan, the Executive Artistic Director of Silambam Houston.
“Artists like Sonny, Lavanya, and organizations like FYP show us what’s possible when art becomes a form of care, leadership, and community-building.”
These words from Sixto Wagan, Executive Director of BANF, reflect the resonance of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month. With every performance and story shared, the month reminded Houstonians of what binds us together: our creativity, our shared histories, and the futures we are building side by side.
Music That Crossed Borders
Throughout the month, the city came alive with performances that reflected the deep impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Musician and 2025 BANF Artist Award recipient Sonny K. Mehta brought forward a message of unity through sound.
With his group Riyaaz Qawwali, Mehta infused an ancient musical tradition with gospel, jazz, and spoken word. A defining highlight was his collaboration with The Jones Family Singers, which merged devotional and gospel music traditions into a powerful performance centering solidarity between communities.
Cultivating Roots in a New Soil
While Mehta built bridges between genres, Lavanya Rajagopalan focused on planting deep cultural roots. As the Executive Artistic Director of Silambam Houston, Lavanya’s journey is a testament to the power of creating the community you wish to see.
Originally from Chennai, India, Lavanya grew up in a “sea of art,” where classical dance and music were at her doorstep. However, it wasn’t until she moved to Texas 25 years ago for grad school that she realized how vital that environment was to her spirit.
"I missed being around the art so much, I needed to create that environment for myself," Lavanya recalls.
What began as a humble effort—teaching four students in an apartment clubhouse in Galveston—has organically grown into a cultural force. Today, Silambam Houston is a recognized “Houston Cultural Treasure” serving 200 students, boasting a performing company and an outreach wing. Lavanya has successfully recreated the artistic sanctuary of her childhood, right here in Houston, ensuring that the next generation has a place to belong.
FYP Houston Shared Joy and Purpose
Rounding out the month’s impact, the Filipino Young Professionals of Houston (FYP) filled the city with color, movement, and pride. Their flagship event, the Houston Filipino Street Festival, returned as the largest celebration of its kind in Texas.
However, FYP’s impact extends year-round. From scholarships to cultural performances, their mission connects heritage with tangible purpose. As Fundraising Director Sarah Bronson noted, “Our culture is a source of power. Through celebration and service, we are teaching future artists to embrace that power and share it.”
A Celebration Rooted in Connection
AAPI Heritage Month 2025 was more than a calendar event; it was a call to recognize the ways culture, art, and community intersect to create change.
Whether it is Sonny K. Mehta merging musical worlds, Lavanya Rajagopalan building an artistic home from the ground up, or FYP activating civic pride, these leaders demonstrate what is possible when we invest in creativity. BANF is proud to support the spaces where these artists connect—and where future collaborations are already beginning to spark.
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