On May 22, 2025, the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion was filled with thunderous drumbeats and jubilant cheers. The lion dance team from American School of Asian Culture (ASAC) delivered a spectacular performance, injecting a surge of “Chinese vitality and spirit” into the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. With the school principal on the drum, lion heads held high, and young dancers leaping through the air, the collaboration across age and gender brought ancient cultural symbols to life and showcased the beauty of multiculturalism.
That afternoon, as Principal Peng Xin struck the drumbeats symbolizing the “soul of the lion,” five giant lions charged forth from the green lawn. Three red lions roared like blazing flames, while two golden lions danced like radiant clouds, tracing vivid paths across the governor’s lawn. At moments of ferocity, the lions glared with wide eyes, manes flying, pouncing with powerful strides like steel claws. In agile moments, they turned and spun swiftly, one flick of the tail sending them gliding across the field, drawing gasps of awe from the audience.
The most endearing was the lion cub trailing behind its mother. At times it playfully cuddled up next to her, at other times it rolled across the lawn, letting out long lion roars that sent the audience into fits of laughter. Though drenched in sweat, the performers remained intensely focused. As the drumbeats quickened, the six lions leapt even higher, and the thunderous applause and cheers echoed through the golden dusk above the mansion.
The lion dance is not just a technical performance but a transmission of cultural meaning. The blend of strength and agility in the lions symbolizes the unity, resilience, and rising spirit of the Asian American community. As a “mobile business card” of the Chinese diaspora, this performance served as an artistic bridge, allowing the American public to perceive the inclusiveness and tenacity of Chinese culture—through a lion’s blink.
From Chapel Hill to the state capital, from folk festivals to diplomatic stages, the lion dance team of American School of Asian Culture (ASAC) is bringing a modern flair to ancient traditions, helping them bloom anew in foreign soil—this is the most vivid illustration of cultural exchange.
Governor Declares May as AAPI Heritage Month in North Carolina
Before heading outdoors to watch the day’s only invited lion dance performance, newly inaugurated Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Governor’s Mansion. Filipino American Representative Maria Cervania introduced the governor, Chinese American Representative Ya Liu delivered remarks, and Governor Stein gave an enthusiastic speech.
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources posted on social media:
“Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Throughout this month and beyond, we celebrate the rich history, vibrant cultures, and meaningful contributions of AAPI communities in North Carolina and across the United States.”
The Governor’s Official Proclamation Reads:
Whereas, Asian Americans across the United States trace their ancestry to more than 20 countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands, each with unique histories, cultures, and languages; and
Whereas, since the mid-19th century when the first Chinese immigrants settled in North Carolina, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have become an integral part of the state’s population; and
Whereas, the current North Carolina General Assembly includes the highest number of AAPI legislators in state history, with Ya Liu and Maria Cervania being the first Asian American women elected to the legislature, and Devduta Sangya serving as the first Indian American to hold a cabinet-level position as Secretary of Health and Human Services; and
Whereas, North Carolina is one of the top ten states in the nation with a rapidly growing Asian American population, with half of the state’s Asian residents living in Mecklenburg, Wake, or Guilford counties; and
Whereas, many AAPI individuals throughout history have persevered through adversity to become leaders and pioneers; and
Whereas, the state of North Carolina recognizes and values the importance of increasing understanding, appreciation, and awareness of the rich and diverse cultures and histories of AAPI residents;
Now, therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in North Carolina and encourage all citizens to participate in and commemorate this celebration.