On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the AABANY Membership Committee hosted an incredible evening of community, culture, and basketball for AAPI Heritage Night at Barclays Center. Members, family, and friends gathered in Brooklyn to cheer on the home team as the New York Liberty took on the Golden State Valkyries, making it a memorable celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
While the Liberty ultimately fell to the Valkyries with a final score of 87-70, the energy inside the arena remained electric. It was the perfect, high-spirited alternative for local sports fans looking for a fantastic live experience right here in Brooklyn, especially on a heavy New York sports night that was competing directly for the city’s attention with Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals (Knicks vs. Cavs) over at Madison Square Garden.
The crowd at Barclays was treated to spectacular cultural showcases and high-profile guests throughout the evening:
- Halftime Performance by Aum Dance Creations: The crowd was treated to a mesmerizing halftime show by Aum Dance Creations. Founded by Director Rina Shah, this New Jersey-based academy is dedicated to preserving traditional Indian classical dances like Kathak and Bharat Natyam, while blending them with the high-energy rhythms of modern Bollywood, contemporary, and hip-hop styles. Their dynamic fusion performance captured the stadium’s attention on the big screen, bringing a vibrant and culturally rich showcase to center court.
- Special Guest Suni Lee: Adding to the excitement, Olympic gymnast and two-time gold medalist Suni Lee was in attendance. When she was featured on the Jumbotron, the arena erupted in cheers, highlighting the incredible achievements of AAPI athletes on the global stage.
Beyond the action on the court, the night served as a wonderful opportunity for AABANY members to connect, support the community, and show their local pride. A portion of the proceeds from the group’s ticket sales went directly toward supporting AABANY’s ongoing mission of advocacy and community service.
Thank you to everyone who came out to make the night such fun!
–Written by Francis Chin, AABANY’s Membership Director