AAPI VOICES

Stories from St. Louis

In 2024, Webster University and the St. Louis chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (STL JACL) partnered to collect oral histories from members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in St. Louis. This project aims to challenge the portrayal of Asians as a monolith by highlighting the rich histories within our community and the diverse, dynamic ways we understand ourselves as AAPI. We ask: What does it mean to be Asian American in the Midwest?

This project arrives at a pivotal moment. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the AAPI population in the St. Louis region has grown by 37% over the past decade. Yet, AAPI often describe feeling invisible and lacking a sense of acceptance in the cultural landscape. They also confront the persistent perception that they are homogeneous, or “all the same”. This sentiment is further magnified in the Midwest, which has the lowest representation of AAPI in the country.

We seek to amplify AAPI voices while also emphasizing the importance of community-academic partnerships in addressing societal issues and promoting inclusivity. We hope this project promotes a more representative narrative—one that celebrates the diverse cultural experiences of AAPI individuals, reflects the evolving ways we relate to identity and reinforces a shared commitment to building community and a sense of belonging.