April is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! Celebrated nationally in May and by the University in April, AAPI Heritage Month honors Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. Hosted by Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with campus departments and student organizations, AAPI Heritage Month is full of programs and events that educate the campus community about the histories, cultural diversity, contributions and challenges of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Check out the full calendar of events to see all of the exciting events planned, and read on for some highlights of the month!
AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff
Join the AAPI Heritage Month Planning Committee in Schine Student Center from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, for an AAPI Heritage Month kickoff event. Learn about the month’s events, enjoy student performances and have an opportunity to engage with students, faculty and staff. During the program, the AAPI Heritage Month Planning Committee will also bring attention to the annual Anti-Asian Hate Crime Exhibit (displayed on the exhibit wall on the first floor of Schine), which remembers the Denny’s incident that occurred in Syracuse in 1997.
Holi
Join the South Asian Student Association on Saturday, April 6, to celebrate Holi! Holi is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna. The day also signifies the triumph of good over evil. Festivities will include throwing dry color paint on each other and celebrating!
Paving the Way Alumni Speaker: Sandhya Bathija ’03
Join Multicultural Affairs in welcoming back alumna Sandhya Bathija ’03 for a special Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, April 17, at noon. Sandhya Bathija is a nonprofit executive that has led grassroots and communications campaigns for many Washington, D.C.-based organizations. Currently, she leads the communications efforts for Campaign Legal Center, a national nonpartisan legal organization committed to advancing democracy through law. Sandhya is passionate about helping nonprofits achieve their missions and is committed to a career advancing social justice and democracy. If you’re interested in attending the Lunch and Learn, please fill out the RSVP form by Friday, April 12.
Mr. ASIA
On Friday, April 19, the campus community is invited to attend Mr. ASIA, hosted by Asian Students in America! Mr. ASIA is a beauty pageant composed of male-identifying student contestants, and is also a night full of amazing student performances with a surprise celebrity judge! It encourages discussion on Asian masculinity, breaks stereotypes and sheds a light on gender expectations within the AAPI community.
AAPI Badminton Tournament
Join the AAPI Heritage Month Planning Committee and the Barnes Center at The Arch on Saturday, April 20, for an exciting badminton tournament! The event is open to all Syracuse University students, and interested participants can register through IMLeagues. Teams will be divided by skill, from beginners to advanced.