Reflections During Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The District reflects on what its efforts to uplift its AANHPI population this year and what related events to look forward to this month.
On May 7, 1843, Nakahama Manjiro set foot on U.S. soil, becoming America’s “first ambassador to Japan”. Twenty-six years later, on May 10, 1869, the “Last Spike” was driven into the ground in Promontory Summit, Utah, completing the First Transcontinental Railroad, a project that, while renowned, was held up by the labor of Chinese immigrant workers. A century later, these historic events would lead to Congress recognizing May official as Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month through Public Law 102-450, now known as Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
NOCCCD campuses are committed to foster a supportive community for the second largest demographic in its student body. It hasn’t been long since the grand opening of Fullerton College’s Asian Pacific Islander Desi Association (APIDA) Resource Center. Cypress College followed with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at their own APIDA Resource Center just two months ago. AANHPI Heritage Month is packed with educational events and opportunities from both campuses this year.
Starting the month strong, the Cypress APIDA Resource Center hosted a professional development “Talk Story” event with producer and actor Sala Baker, best known for his role in Lord of the Rings as Lord Sauron. Fullerton College screened Journey from the Fall at their resource center the same day; the film is a poignant post-Vietnam War film by UCLA alumni Ham Tran. Today, Fullerton College continues sharing Asian American culture with a celebration in the quad featuring taiko performances and food. Both resource centers will be hosting cultural graduation ceremonies open to all students next week, closing out the Spring semester with fanfare and pride.
Though AANHPI Heritage Month gives these resources an exclusive spotlight, the APIDA initiatives on the campuses are active year-round. The District’s APIDA Faculty Staff Association advocates for the community and spreads awareness through by hosting support events and providing resources for all three institutions. For those interested in staying informed of the campus-specific activities, follow @fcapida and @apidacypresscollege.
