Durham, N.C. —Invited by North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) to participate in this year’s event, NC Youth Impact presented a powerful youth-led Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) poster exhibition that became one of the standout attractions at The 2nd Annual Common Roots: Festival for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Held at the Durham Historic Athletic Park, the festival drew thousands of attendees celebrating AAPI culture, heritage, and community.
The exhibition was made possible through the dedication and leadership of NC Youth Impact’s three co-founders, who worked closely to design, create, and set up the entire display. NC Youth Impact curated a compelling showcase of original posters created by young people, featuring artwork, research, and personal stories highlighting themes such as immigration, identity, cultural heritage, and key historical milestones in AAPI history. The exhibition attracted continuous crowds throughout the day, with visitors stopping to read the narratives, photograph the displays, and engage with the youth organizers.
Many attendees praised the exhibition for providing insightful perspectives often overlooked in mainstream education. The posters highlighted both the challenges and contributions of AAPI communities, resonating deeply with viewers of all ages.
“The response was truly inspiring,” said one NC Youth Impact organizer. “We’re grateful that NCAAT invited us to share our work with such a large audience. Many people told us they learned something new about AAPI history or saw reflections of their own families in our posters. Creating those connections is exactly why we do this.”
The collaboration between NCAAT and NC Youth Impact underscored the importance of uplifting youth voices and empowering young leaders to take an active role in cultural storytelling. The youth-led exhibition not only enriched the festival experience but also sparked meaningful conversations about representation, identity, and belonging within Durham’s multicultural community.
As the Common Roots Festival continues to grow, NC Youth Impact’s AAPI poster exhibition stands out as a meaningful celebration of heritage, resilience, and youth leadership—showing how young people are shaping the future of AAPI storytelling and community engagement.
Pictured below are the three co-founders of NC Youth Impact, whose shared vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit have guided the organization since its founding and continue to inspire youth across the community. From Left to Right are: Sunny Zhao, Mason Dupre, Jake Xu.
