While Asian Pacific Islander South Asian (APISA) Heritage Month is technically celebrated in May, APISA 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. APISAs 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 APISA 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 8th | APISA Heritage Month Kick-Off
Salem | Renjen Center (E&E) | 4-5:30pm
Come join the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion for this drop-in mixer for APISA students, staff, and faculty to be in community with one another.
April 12th | Fusion Fest
Salem | Smith Auditorium | Doors: 6:30pm | Show: 7pm
Come join the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion as we host our first ever annual Fusion Fest! Fusion Fest is a program that will showcase different cultural dances in one night.
April 16th | Keynote Speaker: Caitlin Chow-Ise | Pleasure is Power: A Sex Education & Zine Making Workshop
Portland | Schnitzer Center Room 611 | 1-2pm
Salem | Alumni Lounge (UC 3rd) | 4:30-6pm
Caitlin Chow-Ise is a queer, trans, hapa Chinese femme and the creator of The S3x Talk, a place where sex education, creativity, and social justice meet. This workshop will be a chance for folks with marginalized identities to explore sex positivity and the power of pleasure. Through both a presentation and hands-on zine making, participants will learn that their pleasure is not gratuitous, but rather a tool for liberation.
April 20th | Holi
Salem | Brown Field | 12-3pm
The South Asian Student Union is so excited to throw Willamette University’s second annual Holi Celebration!
April 23rd | APISA Heritage Month Lunch Takeover in Goudy
Salem | 11am-2pm | Goudy
Goudy presents a lunch menu celebrating APISA Heritage Month utilizing a variety of cooking styles using local and sustainable ingredients. Limited meal vouchers are available and only valid at Goudy Commons on Tuesday, April 23rd. Please contact Juliane if you are interested!
April 26th | Ponyo Movie Screening
Salem | Renjen Center (E&E) | 6:30-8pm
Join the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion for a screening of Studio Ghibli film, Ponyo.
April 27th | 34th Annual Willamette University Lūʻau: Ko Mo’olelo Kākou
Salem | Cone Field House | Doors & Dinner: 5pm | Show: 6pm
The Willamette University Hawai’i Club is hosting the 34th Annual Lūʻau on April 27th in Cone Field House. The focus of this year’s Lūʻau is “Ko Mo’olelo Kākou” which means “Our Stories”. More information to come on the Willamette Events webapge.