While Asian American Pacific Islander South Asian (AAPISA) Heritage Month is technically celebrated in May, AAPISA Heritage Month is usually celebrated during April on most college campuses to align with the academic calendar. This is a time to celebrate the diverse identities, histories, and experiences of all Asian Americans and the Asian Diaspora. AAPISAs share in the narrative of being dreamers, immigrants, and refugees, as well as being indigenous to the many Pacific Islands of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.
The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Most of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants. APISA history is an important part of the American experience, making significant and meaningful contributions to our society.
We encourage our community to learn and celebrate the achievements, hardships, and sacrifices of AAPISA people. We bring education, celebration, and community-building to our campuses through a variety of programs. See below for a selection and join us in celebrating this month. A full program listing with details can be found in the link attached to this announcement below.
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April 3rd: AAPISA Heritage Month Kick-Off
Salem | Bistro (UC 1st Floor) | 4:30-6pm
April 17th: AAPISA Heritage Month Bistro Flavors & Listening Hour
Salem Campus | Bistro | 7-8p
April 22nd | APISA Heritage Month Lunch Takeover in Goudy
Salem | 11am-2pm | Goudy
April 22nd: Keynote Speaker, Jackie Leung | Jack of All Trades, Master of None: Reflections on Spam, Jujubees, and Imposter Syndrome”
Salem Campus | Cat Cavern | 6-7pm
April 26th: 1st Annual Collective AAPISA Night Market
Salem | Brown Field | 5-9pm