If you’ve been to Cupp 4 South at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, you’ve likely seen some of Fayonna Gray, RN’s work. Each month, she decorates the bulletin board to highlight different groups and heritages. Every year, the month of May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, to recognize the challenges faced by Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians, and their vital contributions to the American story.
To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month this May, Gray created a beautiful homage to AAPI history and to the contributions of various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our society and culture. From the first Asian-American astronaut, to the Japanese-Americans who built the Atlantic Railroad, to Bruce Lee, to the first Asian-American Vice President Kamala Harris, Gray wanted to celebrate influential Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who have had a positive impact on American life.
“So many of my colleagues here at Presbyterian are Asian-American or Pacific Islander and have had a difficult experience with the rise in anti-Asian sentiment over the past year,” Gray said. “This month it felt extra important to celebrate their heritage and important contributions throughout history.”
The board continued to evolve throughout the month, with Gray adding photos, descriptions of important figures and historical moments, and even items like fans, jewelry, and clothing items. Bernie Banay, Leonora Butic, and Jency John — all nurses on her unit — also contributed to the display.
In June, Gray decorated the bulletin board for Pride, highlighting important moments in LGBTQ+ history, and significant contributions from members of the LGBTQ+ community.