In recognition of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Washington State University campuses are hosting events throughout April celebrating rich cultural traditions, giving individuals the opportunity to celebrate together as well as the chance to share their unique histories with others.
While Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated nationally in May, WSU opted to celebrate in April beginning last year to provide greater opportunities for students to participate prior to the end of the spring semester.
The origins of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month date back to 1977 with the introduction of two bills to the U.S. Congress that would institute an Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. While the two original proposals failed to pass, a similar resolution introduced a year later was signed into law Oct. 5, 1978 by President Jimmy Carter.
Initially, May 4-11 were designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, though it would grow to include the entire month of May by 1992. The month is a celebration of cultures from across Asian as well as the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
A list of events happening on the Vancouver, Tri-Cities and Pullman campuses this month is available below. More information about events happening at specific campuses can be found on their respective websites.
Pullman events
April 12
- Talk Stories with AAPI Staff Member Andy Song, health education coordinator
- Hosted by the Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Center
- 12:10 p.m., CUB 414
April 14
- Org Olympics
- Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Coalition
- Student organizations from across campus will be participating in field events like tug of war and relay races
- 1 p.m., Playfields
- Building Bridges
- Hosted by the Association for Pacific Asian Women (APAW)
- 5–6:30 p.m., Spark 323
April 16
- CDS Racing for Pink
- Hosted by the Lovely Sisterhood of Chi Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc.
- 9 a.m., Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center
April 17
- AAPI Heritage Month Pop Culture Kahoot!
- Hosted by AAPI Student Center Mentors Josh & Dom
- 1 p.m., CUB 414
April 18
- Rep Your Culture Day
- Hosted by the Asian American & Pacific Islander Student Center
- All day, CUB 414
April 19
- Culture Shock
- Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Coalition, with performers sharing their cultural talents with audience members
- 6:30 p.m., CUB Auditorium
April 20
- Hmong Embroidery (Phao)
- Hosted by AAPI Student Center Mentor Kalia
- 11 a.m., CUB 414
- Snacks with AAPI Faculty and Staff Association
- Hosted by AAPISC and APIDA + Faculty and Staff Association
- Noon, CUB 414
April 21
- Mental Health Workshop: Mindfulness
- Hosted by AAPI Student Center Mentor Karla
- 12:10 p.m., CUB 414
April 23
- Be the Match Fundraiser Formal
- Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Coalition, with food, dancing, and picture-taking as part of the fundraiser
- 6–8:30 p.m., CUB Senior Ballroom
April 24
- Famous Pinoys
- Hosted by AAPI Student Center Mentors Josh & Karla
- 1 p.m., CUB 414
- Talking Circles: Asian Representation in Movies and Media
- Hosted by the AAPI Student Center & Chi Sigma Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- 2:30 p.m., CUB 414
- AAPI Student Center Dead Week Study Tables
- Monday–Friday, April 24–28, 5–8 p.m., CUB 414
April 29
- AAPI Closing Ceremonies
- Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Coalition
- 4–6 p.m., CUB Junior Ballroom
Tri-Cities events
April 21
- Bollywood dance class
- Noon–1 p.m. in Room 120 of the Student Union Building
Vancouver events
April 11
- BaCE: Universal Design for Learning
- 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Zoom. Register to attend.
- This workshop will help you understand what Universal Design for Learning is, and what it looks like in practice.
April 12
- Dish it Up featuring Jen Serizawa-Smith
- Noon, Room 104 of Firstenburg Student Commons
- Join CILA for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Bring your lunch. Open to students, faculty, and staff.
April 18
- AAPI Heritage Month Lūʻau
- 5–7 p.m., Firstenburg Student Commons
- Join CILA for a lūʻau. Celebrate with a candy lei workshop, food, and performances of traditional Polynesian dancing.
- Open to all
April 20
- CILA/CEDI Lunch
- Noon, Room 104 of the Firstenburg Student Commons
- Join members of the Council on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for a CEDI/CILA meet and greet luncheon. Connect with others to learn about DEI initiatives on campus and to reflect on feelings of belonging.
- Open to students and CEDI members
- Sixth Annual Four Cs Reception
- 3–5 p.m., Dengerink Administration Building, Rooms 129 and 130
- Join the annual event for staff and faculty of color to celebrate accomplishments, have uplifting conversations, build community, and establish lasting connections.
May 3
- Space for Us
- 9 a.m., email obie3.ford@wsu.edu for attendance information
- Space for Us, the Black staff and faculty association, meets during the academic year for social and affirming uplift, thoughtful discussion of university, local, national, and international concerns, and for events in the community.
- Dish it Up featuring CILA Student Leaders: Making the Most Out of Your Summer
- Noon, Firstenburg Student Commons, Room 104
- CILA student leaders will talk about ways to incorporate both self-care and productivity into your summer plans. Bring your lunch. Open to students, faculty, and staff.
