Western Washington University

04/28/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/28/2025 13:42

Celebrating APIDA Heritage Month

Celebrating APIDA Heritage Month

Several events in May will commemorate Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month

April 28, 2025

Honoring and celebrating APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American) Heritage Month is essential for recognizing the rich cultural diversity and resilience of more than 50 ethnic groups that make up this vibrant community. At Western Washington University, this celebration fosters greater awareness and appreciation for the histories, contributions, and unique challenges faced by APIDA individuals.

Led by the Office of Multicultural Student Services, the APIDA Heritage Month Planning Committee has curated a powerful series of events throughout May to honor the histories, contributions, and lived experiences of APIDA individuals. From thought-provoking lectures and cultural performances to student-centered discussions and joyful community gatherings, these events are designed to educate, connect, and inspire. For more information, please visit our APIDA Heritage Month website.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our APIDA clubs for their continued dedication to building community and amplifying the importance of this vibrant community on our campus. Their ongoing efforts help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, and we honor their role in making our campus a place of shared strength and solidarity.

Thank you to the APIDA Heritage Month Planning Committee for your vision and care.

Mark your calendars and join us throughout May! Here's a look at what's happening:

Monday, May 5 at noon in VU 735

Meet Dr. JaeRan Kim, Associate Professor at the University of Washington Tacoma, for an informal student lunch and discussion. Dr. Kim's research focuses on the intersections of race, disability, and adoption, particularly within transracial and transnational adoptee experiences.

Lunch provided. Registration encouraged but not required. register here.

This event centers students, but all are welcome to attend.

Monday, May 5 at 2 p.m. in VU 735

Join Dr. Kim as she discusses the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing immigration policies, adoption reforms, and the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. The session will include a community conversation on how to better support Asian adoptees.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, May 14, noon-1 p.m., VU 565

Organizing and Retaining Hope in Times of Crisis

Dr. Kurashige, Director of the AANAPISI Center at Shoreline Community College, will discuss ways to build sustainable activism and community care, drawing from his work with Grace Lee Boggs and movements for collective liberation.
Hosted by the Department of Ethnic Studies.

APIDA Festival: A Legacy of Resistance: Justice, Healing, and Joy

Wednesday, May 14 doors open at 5:30 p.m., event is from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Whatcom Community College - Syre Student Center
This powerful annual event is organized by the Community Consortium for Cultural Recognition (C3R) and centers this year's theme of "Justice, Healing, and Joy." Enjoy free food, cultural performances (including WWU ESC clubs), an intergenerational panel, and local vendors in celebration of APIDA heritage and resistance.
Family-friendly and open to the public.

Lunch & Learns, noon-1 p.m., VU 735

May 7: Unpacking "APIDA" and the model minority myth: unpacking the umbrella term "APIDA" and exploring the ways in which the model minority myth has been used as a tool for maintaining oppressive systems.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

May 28: Join us in breaking the stigma of mental health, empowering folks to ask for support, queering APIDA, and sharing other valuable perspectives from students and mental health professionals.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

APIDA Joy: Karaoke Night, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

May 22, MCC Kitchen & Social Area

We are celebrating APIDA joy with karaoke and dinner! Bring a friend, sing a song in any language, and honor the many identities and cultures represented within the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American community.

This event centers students, but all are welcome to attend.

In addition to this great programming, our clubs are holding heritage events and programs throughout the month. Please visit the WWU Box Office to purchase tickets to their events.

AA/EO. Accessibility Statement: For disability accommodation(s) (such as ASL interpretation, etc.) please contact the Centers, thecenters@wwu.edu. Advance notice is appreciated and sometimes necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.