Hawai’i professor, musician headlines Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month on April 15

A highlight of the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ Asian-Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month is commemorative speaker Jon Osorio, professor and renowned musician from the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa. Osorio will present on Friday, April 15, at 4 p.m. in Maxwell Auditorium. He will be speaking on U.S. colonialism in Hawai’i and the movement for Hawaiian independence. After his lecture, he will perform several songs.

APA Heritage Month celebrates Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. This year’s theme, “Speak Out,” is an expression of culture, identity and resistance. It is about making the invisible visible, encouraging students to advocate for social issues affecting their own communities, and recognizing those who do so. A voice will also be given to marginalized communities within Asian-Pacific America, such as Pacific Islanders and Muslims.

Guided by the University’s vision of Scholarship in Action, APA Heritage Month consists of programs and signature events that educate the community about the histories, cultural diversity, contributions and the often under-reported challenges of Asian-Pacific Americans. Asian Students in America (ASIA), along with many other student organizations, faculty and staff on campus, will serve as hosts throughout the month.

A full events calendar for APA Heritage Month is posted in the Schine Student Center, or can be found at http://syracuseapamonth.blogspot.com. The forums, speakers, performances and other events are open to the public. For more information, contact Cristina Balitaan at su.apa.month@gmail.com, or the Office of Multicultural Affairs at (315) 443-9676 or oma@syr.edu.