Asian American & Pacific Islander Month
Carthage celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
“As a first-generation ‘Asian American Woman’ for one thing, I knew there was no such thing as an ‘Asian American Woman.’ Within this new homogenizing labeling of an exotica, I knew there was an entire race/national/cultural, sexual-preferenced groups, many of whom find each other as alien as mainstream America finds me.” — Shirley Geok-lin Lim
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders who live in the United States.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) recognizes the heritage of the countries within the Asia continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. During this month, we honor the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
AAPI Heritage Month began in 1977 as a ten-day celebration. In 1992, President George H. W. Bush signed a law expanding the celebration to the entire month of May. This was to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, largely built by Chinese immigrants, on May 10, 1869.
Asian and Pacific islanders are some of the fastest-growing demographics in the United States. The culture, contributions, experiences, and awareness of anti-Asian violence are important to learn and share across nations and education.
Carthage Events
CAf Celebration
Dinner, Tuesday, May 9
Join us for a Celebration Dinner in the Caf!
Breaking Barriers with APACC
1-2 p.m., Wednesday, May 10
Come to the Engagement and Inclusion Center to discuss AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Hate in America. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend.
Fireside Chat with Asian Pacific American Coalition
11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., Monday, May 15
The Office of Equity and Inclusion and Asian Pacific American Carthage Coalition is hosting a Fireside Chat, facilitated by Professor Yan Wang. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to attend.
Learn more about Asian & Pacific Islander Culture
We encourage our community to learn more about Asian and Pacific Islander culture and history throughout May. Use the resources provided below to learn more, and look for events on The Bridge, The Harbor, and our Instagram page @icc_carthage!