In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, within the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience, is hosting a series of events in April in collaboration with students, faculty and staff across campus.
The month-long celebration begins on April 1, with the kickoff event on Thursday, April 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 500 in the Hall of Languages. Attendees will enjoy food; meet and mingle with students, faculty and staff; learn about the month’s events; and view the unveiling of this year’s Anti-Asian Hate Crime Exhibit.
AAPI Heritage Month consists of programs and signature events that educate all members of the Syracuse University community about the histories, cultural diversity, contributions and often-underreported challenges of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Celebrated nationally in May, Syracuse University honors the month in April to celebrate while the campus community is still together.
One of the month’s signature events includes the commemorative lecture. This year’s speaker is Arden Cho, best known for her work as Kira Yukimura on “Teen Wolf,” plus appearances on “Castle” and “Pretty Little Liars.” She also released her self-produced EP, “My True Happy,” in 2013 and regularly showcases her music on her YouTube channel, ardenBCho.
Cho will speak on Saturday, April 8, at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.) in Huntington Beard Crouse Hall’s Gifford Auditorium. The event is co-sponsored by Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity Inc. and is free and open to the public. A meet and greet will follow the lecture and Q&A.
This year’s planning committee chose “One Community, One University, One Family” as the theme for the month, in line with the theme for other cultural heritage months on campus this academic year. Each of the month’s programs and events were planned to emulate this theme.
“This year’s theme focuses on bringing our diverse community together,” says Huey Hsiao, associate director for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and chair of the AAPI Heritage Month planning committee. “At the same time, we hope that our program brings to light the unique challenges and successes of the AAPI community and its positive contributions to American society.”
Other highlights for this year’s heritage month celebration include:
April 1: “K-Night with Special Guest: Awkwafina,” 7 to 10 p.m., Schine Underground
Come celebrate Korean culture and the talent within the Korean American community! Awkwafina—a rapper and comedian with more than three million views on her YouTube channel—will perform. Tickets are available for $5 at the Schine Box Office. Open to public. Sponsored by the Korean American Student Association (KASA).
April 11: “SASE Talent Show,” 6 to 9 p.m., Jabberwocky Cafe
Show off your talents at the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) Talent Show. Dazzle your friends with amazing feats and spectacular tricks. You can be a dancer, singer, magician and everything in between!
April 13: “AAPI Heritage Month Book Club Discussion: ‘We Gon’ Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation’” by Jeff Chang, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Peter Graham Scholarly Commons (Bird 114)
A discussion of “We Gon’ Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation” by Jeff Chang, led by OMA’s Cedric Bolton and Huey Hsiao. Food will be provided. Email huhsiao@syr.edu for a copy of the book. Limited supply available.
April 14: “Paving the Way Alumni Panel,” 6 to 7:30 p.m., Room 500, Hall of Languages
A lively and insightful discussion with alumni as they recount their college and career experiences and guide students toward success. The panel includes Victoria Chan ’09, Ben Fang ’15, Jane Hong ’16 and Sharon Lee ’14, G’15. Yingyi Ma, associate professor of sociology and director of the Asian/Asian American Studies Program, will moderate. Sponsored by Asian/Asian American Studies, Asian Students in America, Lambda Phi Epsilon, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Program Development.
April 15: “Thrive Together Fair,” 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Manley Field House
The Thrive Together Fair celebrates culture, courage and community through traditional performances and engaging activities from student organizations and off-campus community groups. All funds raised will go to InterFaith Works to support its work for refugees and immigrants in the community. Sponsored by the Student Association.
April 19: “Beyond Skin Deep,” 7 to 9 p.m., Room 114, Hall of Languages
Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. sponsors an exploration of how unity can be achieved between students of color despite racial differences. Kimberly Williams Brown, Ph.D. student in the School of Education’s Cultural Foundations of Education Department, will facilitate this engaging session.
April 22: “19th Annual ASIA Night presents Mr. ASIA 2017,” 7 to 9 p.m., Grant Auditorium
Come celebrate Asian Students In America’s biggest annual event with the first-ever “Mr. ASIA,” where contestants will showcase their style, intelligence and talent in a fun and entertaining pageant-style show, featuring singer and song-writer JR Aquino.
April 25: “Bridging the Gap Between AAPI and International Asian Students,” 7 to 8:30 p.m., Room 107, Hall of Languages
A discussion on overcoming the divisions between AAPI and International Asian students on campus. A cultural fair featuring Chinese, Korean and Japanese performances and exhibitions will follow the discussion. Sponsored by Work In Asia, Global China Connection, the Japanese Student Association and the Korean American Student Association.
The full AAPI Heritage Month events calendar, designed by planning committee member Emily Dang ’17, is available on the Office of Multicultural Affairs website and available for pickup in Suite 105 in the Schine Student Center.
Follow AAPI Heritage Month events and updates using the hashtag #CuseAAPIHM. For more information on AAPI Heritage Month events, contact Huey Hsiao at huhsiao@syr.edu or 315.443.9676.
