Asian-American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month

Published April 3, 2025

Throughout April and May, the IDC is celebrating Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month to recognize the contributions and influence of AAPI Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month

Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, normally held in May, will be celebrated at UB in April and early May. May was specifically 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. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

April 4: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Dessert Hour

3 – 5 p.m., Student Union 240

Join us in the IDC as we enjoy tasty treats inspired by AAPI culture! Stop by ad learn about influential AAPI figures and historical events that shaped history.

April 28: Tough Topics: Being Asian and Queer (Collaboration with Asia Research Institute)

1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Student Union 240

Queer POC have always faced challenges in navigating their gender and sexuality within their communities. How do Asian communities celebrate or repress queerness? How do we reconcile our culture with our LGBTQ+ identities?

April 30: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Mixer

3 – 5 p.m., Student Union 235 and 222

Kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with our monthly mixer. This event aims to connect students, faculty, and staff across campus. We will celebrate AAPI Month through cultural music, food, and fun activities.

May 1: Asian American and Pacific Islander Movie Night – Ponyo

7 – 9 p.m., Student Union 240

About Ponyo: During a forbidden excursion to see the surface world, a goldfish princess encounters a human boy named Sosuke, who gives her the name Ponyo. Ponyo longs to become human, and as her friendship with Sosuke grows, she becomes more humanlike. Ponyo's father brings her back to their ocean kingdom, but so strong is Ponyo's wish to live on the surface that she breaks free, and in the process, spills a collection of magical elixirs that endanger Sosuke's village.

May 5: Tough Topics: Intergenerational Traua in the AAPIDA Community (Collaboration with Counseling Services)

1 – 2:30 p.m., Student Union 240

Mental health is a taboo topic for AAPIDA communities, especially as generational trauma persists in many families. How can we de-stigmatize mental health struggles rooted in our culture and histories? Join us in this discussion on intergenerational trauma.