APIDA Festival 2026 Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together on May 12

APIDA Festival 2026 Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together is set for 5:30 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at Whatcom Community College, Syre Student Center.

Every May, we honor the rich tapestry of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) cultures, embracing our past, celebrating our present, and shaping our future. APIDA encompasses a vibrant community of over 50 ethnic groups, representing people of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi ancestry who trace their origins to diverse geographic regions.

APIDA heritage spans more than 20 countries, each with its unique traditions, languages, and customs. Our communities share strong connections to family heritage and histories that emphasize community, resilience, and celebration. While our experiences in the United States often include shared challenges of racial injustice, xenophobia, and the lasting impacts of colonialism, these struggles have forged a powerful bond among us.

This year's national theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening communities together, highlights the importance of collective strength, shared stories, and bridge-building across APIDA communities. It reminds us that our resilience grows when we stand together, uplift one another, and work collaboratively toward justice and belonging.

Unity is a form of resistance and healing. When we gather as community, we honor the legacies of our ancestors, nurture spaces that allow us to rest and restore, and celebrate the joy that sustains our activism. By centering our connections-across cultures, generations, and lived experiences-we cultivate the power needed to envision and build a future where all can thrive.

Wheelchair-accessible environment. ASL available upon request. Contact Tanya at [email protected] by May 7 for more information.

Learn more about APIDA Heritage Month at https://www.wwu.edu/apida

Festival Schedule

5:30 p.m. Open festival including:

• Dinner provided by That's What I Like Island Grill & Saigon Cafe

Performances by:

• Whatcom Uchiumi Taiko
• WWU Filipino American Student Association
• WWU Vietnamese Student Association
• WWU South Asian Student Association

Guest speakers including:

• Usman Ally (actor)
• Dr. Gerry Ebaloroza-Tunnell (author)

Multiple vendors including

• Soulful Sumi Calligraphy
• Ink Drop Tattoo
• One Book One Coast Featuring "They Called Us Enemy" by George Takei

8 p.m. Closing