1 May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and this month of cultural celebration comes after a year marred by a nationwide rise in anti-Asian violence. Anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 60 percent in Boston, according to a report by California State University, San Bernardino, and Asian-owned businesses have been hard-hit by the economic downturn as a result of the pandemic, as well as individuals having faced racial discrimination. Lawmakers in the state Legislature’s House Asian Caucus and civic leaders called on the community to support Asian-owned businesses by spending their money at these establishments, in addition to attending cultural events and celebrations throughout the month of May.