May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) and is a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that the AAPI community has played in our shared history. We invite students, staff, faculty, and community members to participate in a variety of events both on campus & in the broader community.
The broad term of AAPI is intended to capture the Asian continent and Southeast Asian islands, as well as the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. While the use of “AAPI” aims to unify, we acknowledge that many people within these communities believe this term erases cultures and fails to recognize health and economic disparities. There are many shared experiences, but also great differences within these communities.
On-Campus and Community Events
Aptos Campus, upper quad
May 1st from 11am–1pm
Enjoy various cultural foods, music, crafts and learn about the AAPI community.
Book Display in Library, Bldg. 1000
Watsonville Taiko Drumming: 11:15am
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
Exhibit 1: April 12–August 15, Sowing Seeds: Filipino American Stories from the Pajaro Valley
Friday, May 3, 4–6pm at the MAH, Educator's Mixer: Pajaro Valley Filipino American History https://www.santacruzmah.org/events/educators_mixer_pajaro_valley/2024/05/03
Exhibit 2: May 10–26 at the MAH, The Last Chinatown: George Ow Jr., an elder and one of the last residents with memories of living in the last Chinatown.
Resources & Scholarships
APIA Scholars (Asian & Pacific Islander Association): Scholars & Summer internship https://apiascholars.org/scholarship/
Books to check out in Cabrillo Library