WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — DC News Now is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by recognizing AAPI chefs and artists who have made it part of their purpose to help those in need around the DMV through food and art.

Covering the District, the Japanese Tea room called Chado Urasenke Tankokai instructs people from all backgrounds on Chado – translated in English as “the way of tea.” The ceremony dates back to the seventh century when it actually originated in China — Japan simply expanded on the ceremony.

Brian Cheung, a student at Chado Urasenke Tankokai, elaborated on how the ceremony is not only for show but can also be used to find your own discipline. He said he doesn’t feel that the ceremony is above him but “inside him” making it an important part of his life.

Over in Frederick, Md., we take a look at Gaby Nobody, an artist devoted to creating art that helps normalize tough conversations around trauma such as domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Nobody has been an artist for over 10 years now and has had her own struggles with sexual abuse.

To help herself and others deal with that trauma, Nobody created a four-hour long workshop called the “Rise and Thrive Experience,” which includes an intentional art project and a photoshoot for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

In Arlington, Va., we spoke to Evelyn Bunoan, the owner of the Philippine Oriental Market & Deli, who provides free meals to cancer patients after she lost her best friend to cancer.

Bunoan wants to give peace of mind to those going through such a difficult time by cooking up healthy, traditional Filipino meals. These free meals have helped people like her neighbor who is a Filipino World War II veteran experiencing cancer.

In her restaurant kitchen, she meticulously cuts out excess fat and unhealthy ingredients, all to prepare food that will comfort and heal.

Watch these stories and more in this year’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Special on DC News Now as we recognize the tasty and artistic contributions from the AAPI community in the DMV.