PBS SoCal and KCET Honor Asian American Pacific Islander Communities with Broadcast and Streaming Content Presented in May

CONTACT
Chelsea Grosbeck
cgrosbeck@pmgsocal.org
747.201.5202

kcet.org/AAPI | pbsocal.org/AAPI

Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App.

Members of PBS SoCal | KCET get extended access through PBS Passport.

Los Angeles, Calif. – April 7, 2021 – PBS SoCal and KCET, Southern California’s flagship PBS stations as well as the home for award-winning, original local content, have announced a month-long lineup of programming in May dedicated to amplifying Asian voices in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The special curated lineup begins with new broadcast specials that include AMERICAN MASTERS “Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir” and INDEPENDENT LENS “The Donut King.” Additional titles in the lineup include two rebroadcasts from AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, “The Chinese Exclusion Act” and “Mr. Tornado,” as well as NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY, THE REGISTRY, and more, plus six all-new episodes of PACIFIC HEARTBEAT, the anthology series that draws viewers into the heart, mind and soul of Pacific Island culture.

PBS SoCal and KCET will also will also bring regional viewers the return of last year’s acclaimed five-part film series ASIAN AMERICANS chronicling the impact of Asian Americans on the country’s past, present and future. Additionally, PBS LearningMedia will offer more than 30 classroom-ready lesson plans for parents, educators and students to utilize free learning materials to explore the ways that Asian Americans have shaped our nation's history. KCET and PBS SoCal have also created online destinations dedicated to informing and educating the community on topics of equity and anti-racist education at pbsocal.org/AAPI and kcet.org/AAPI.

KCET and PBS SoCal also create a variety of locally-produced programs dedicated to a richer and more inclusive California experience, helping residents understand and connect with diverse communities. Original programming has showcased regional Asian artists, chefs and influencers in documentary series that include ARTBOUND, BROKEN BREAD, THE MIGRANT KITCHEN and LOST LA. These original programs continue to inspire and are available to stream at kcet.org and pbssocal.org as well as on the free PBS Video App.

Following the rising tide of violence against Asian Americans that has rapidly accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, PBS SoCal and KCET stand firmly against all acts of racism, violence, prejudice and hate. Both of the local Southern California flagship PBS stations serve the region’s diverse communities to advance the values of inclusion and support progress towards greater equity as PBS has—and will always—provide a platform to amplify local and national stories of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Select content slated to air during the next month is listed as follows (*schedule subject to change):

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “The Chinese Exclusion Act” – Sat., May 1 at 6 p.m. on KCET
This film examines the 1882 law that made it illegal for Chinese workers to come to America and for Chinese nationals to become U.S. citizens.

ASIAN AMERICANS: “Breaking Ground” – Mon., May 3 at 1 p.m. on KCET and Tues., May 4 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
In an era of exclusion and U.S. empire, new immigrants arrive from China, India, Japan, the Philippines and beyond. Barred by anti-Asian laws they become America’s first “undocumented immigrants,” yet they build railroads, dazzle on the silver screen and take their fight for equality to the U.S. Supreme Court.

ASIAN AMERICANS: “A Question of Loyalty” – Mon., May 3 at 2 p.m. on KCET and Tues., May 11 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
An American-born generation straddles their country of birth and their parents’ homelands.

AMERICAN MASTERS “Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir” – Mon. May 3 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., May 5 at 10 p.m. on KCET
An intimate portrait of the groundbreaking author that interweaves archival imagery, including home movies and personal photographs, animation and original interviews to tell the inspiring story of Tan’s life and career.

NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY – Mon., May 3 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., May 8 at 7 p.m. on KCET
Meet the statesman who served as cabinet secretary for President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

PACIFIC HEARTBEAT: “The Australian Dream”– Sun., May 9 at 4 p.m. on KCET
The remarkable and inspirational story of Indigenous AFL legend Adam Goodes to tell a deeper and more powerful story about race, identity and belonging.

ASIAN AMERICANS: “Good Americans” – Mon., Mat 10 at 1 p.m. on KCET and Tues., May 18 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
During the Cold War years, Asian Americans are simultaneously heralded as a “Model Minority” and targeted as the perpetual foreigner. It is also a time of bold ambition, as Asian Americans aspire for the first time to national political office and a coming culture-quake simmers beneath the surface.

ASIAN AMERICANS: “Generation Rising” – Mon., May 10 at 2 p.m. on KCET and Tues., May 25 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
During a time of war and social tumult, a young generation fights for equality in the fields, on campuses and in the culture, and claim a new identity: Asian Americans. The war’s aftermath brings new immigrants and refugees who expand the population and the definition of Asian America.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: “Celebrating Asian-Pacific Heritage” – Mon., May 10 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
This episode turns the spotlight on incredible items with Asian and Pacific Islands origins, including a Hawaiian kou bowl, a Ghandi presentation spinning wheel and an 1888 Joesph Nawahi painting.

TO CLIMB A GOLD MOUNTAIN – Sat., May 15 at 6 p.m. on KCET and Mon., May 17 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Four women of Asian descent who lived in America from the 1850s to present day, share their life stories of struggles and triumphs. Featuring Anna May Wong, Sing Ye and California Congresswoman Judy Chu.

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Mr. Tornado” – Sat., May 15 at 7 p.m. on KCET
Learn about the extraordinary contributions of meteorologist Tetsuya Theodore “Ted” Fujita.

PACIFIC HEARTBEAT: “For My Father’s Kingdom” – Sun., May 16 at 4 p.m. on KCET
This debut feature documentary offers a rich view of how contemporary secular families deal with the rigors of devout Christian tithing, as well as a unique insight into traditional Tongan culture.

ASIAN AMERICANS: “Breaking Through” – Mon., May 17 at 1 p.m. on KCET and Tues., Jun. 1 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
At the turn of the new millennium, the national conversation turns to immigration, race, and economic disparity. As the U.S becomes more diverse, yet more divided, a new generation of Asian Americans tackle how the nation moves forward together.

PACIFIC HEARTBEAT: “Stan” – Sun., May 23 at 4 p.m. on KCET
This documentary follows 26-year-old musician Stan Walker as he fights a rare cancer caused by a genetic mutation that has killed 25 members of his family. Facing his diagnosis with humor and determination, he embarks on a mission to seek aggressive treatment.

INDEPENDENT LENS “The Donut King” – Mon., May 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
The film tells the story of Ted Ngoy, who fled Cambodia for the United States and launched a multi-million-dollar, fried pastry empire.

THE REGISTRY – Mon., May 31 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
This film breaks open the hidden history of the U.S. Army's Military Intelligence Service (MIS) during World War II.

For a full schedule of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month programming, please visit kcet.org/AAPI and pbssocal.org/AAPI.

Join the conversation on social media using #AAPI

About PBS SOCAL and KCET
PBS SoCal and KCET are both part of the donor-supported community institution, the Public Media Group of Southern California. PBS SoCal is the flagship PBS station for diverse people across California and delivers content and experiences that inspire, inform and educate. PBS SoCal offers the full slate of beloved PBS programs including MASTERPIECE, NOVA, PBS NewsHour, FRONTLINE, and a broad library of documentary films with works from Ken Burns; as well as educational content including PBS KIDS programs like DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and CURIOUS GEORGE. KCET showcases the best of PBS and is a leading source for arts, culture, and news in Southern California. Through innovative storytelling, KCET explores and expresses our dynamic local communities helping residents understand and connect with the region's diverse communities and ideas. For additional information about both KCET and PBS SoCal productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org and pbssocal.org KCET Originals and PBS programming are available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.