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APISAA Heritage Month 2026

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Rooted and Rising: APISAA in Bloom

The origins of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month date back to the late 1970s, when a group of activists and community leaders came together to raise awareness about the history and contributions of APIs in the United States. In 1978, they successfully lobbied Congress to pass a joint resolution designating the first week of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Over the years, the weeklong celebration grew in popularity and significance, prompting Congress to expand the observance to a full month in 1992. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first-known Japanese immigrant to the United States, and also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was largely built by Chinese immigrants. Today, API Heritage Month is celebrated across the country with a variety of events, programs and activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to the United States.

At CSUF, we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISAA) Heritage Month every April, instead of May, to ensure the inclusion and active participation of the campus community. APISAA is a more inclusive term to honor our diverse identities as we continue to strive for better representation. To learn more about the term APISAA, visit the Asian Pacific American Resource Center Website.

The 2026 APISAA Heritage Month theme, “Rooted and Rising: APISAA in Bloom,” highlights the enduring strength and continued growth of Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American communities. “Rooted” honors the ancestral knowledge, shared histories, and the cultural foundations that continue to ground and sustain our communities across generations. “Rising” speaks to resilience and resistance in the face of ongoing challenges, while also recognizing continued growth, leadership, and self-determination. “Bloom” celebrates the creativity, care, scholarship, and community-building efforts that shape APISAA life today. Together, these ideas affirm the interconnectedness of our communities and recognize their lasting contributions to cultural, academic, and civic life, as we honor the past, engage the present, and imagine vibrant futures.

To have your program added to the calendar of events, please submit the Call for Programs form.

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Upcoming events

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Rooted and Rising: APISAA in Bloom Kick Off

Thursday, April 9
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., Tuffy Lawn

Rooted and Rising: APISAA in Bloom Kick Off will celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories that contribute to our shared APISAA heritage. This event serves as the launch of a month-long series of activities, events, celebrations, and educational programs that aim to raise awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity. The kick-off event will feature a vibrant blend of games, food, and interactive experiences with on-campus departments and student organizations to engage attendees in the spirit of celebration!

Hosted by Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC). Follow @csufaparc on Instagram

Career Connections with Cal State Fullerton Alumni

Tuesday, April 14
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., PLS-180 Brave Space

Join APARC and the Office of Alumni Engagement to hear APISAA alumni share insights on the power of mentorship and learn practical tips for building meaningful connections on LinkedIn.

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) and the Office of Alumni Engagement Follow @csufaparc on Instagram

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Thai Lao Cambodian New Year

Wednesday, April 15
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., APARC, PLS-180

The Thai, Lao, Cambodian New Year Celebration will be a vibrant and festive event that honors the traditional New Year celebrations from these three Southeast Asian cultures. This event will feature foods, community activities, games, and offer a unique opportunity to experience and learn about the rich customs and history of these countries. Join us to learn more about Thai, Lao, Cambodian New Year!

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC). Follow @csufaparc on Instagram

Rocking the Boat: Queer APISAA Communities

Tuesday, April 21
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., LKQRC PLS-180

Rocking the Boat: Queer APISAA Communities will be a reflective event that explores and celebrates the diverse experience of the Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ communities. At this event, we will be sharing milk tea, making clay sculptures, and discussing the intersectionality of our different identities. Join us for the opportunity to form connections and learn more about the rich history of the two communities!

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) and Losquadro Keller LGBTQ Resource Center. Follow @csufaparc on Instagram

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Asian Americans, Arts and Advocacy: Student Panel and Parchute Activity

Wednesday, April 22
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., Location TBD

This workshop will be led by a student panel and discuss Asian American artists who contribute to representation and advocacy for the APISAA communities including Godzilla Collective, A Grain of Sand, Corky Lee, ASEAN, NHA, and Pop Art including Bruno Mars and and Kpop Demon Hunters. The workshop will end with an interactive activity based on the Kpop Demon Hunters song "Golden".

Hosted by the Department of Psychology and the Department of Asian American Studies. Contact Susan Y. Shimazu, M.P.H. at sshimazu@fullerton.edu for questions.

Register for Asian Americans, Arts and Advocacy: Student Panel and Parchute Activity.

Native Pacific Mixer

Thursday, April 23
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., PLN-170 Brave Space

Join APARC and NAIRC as we host a mixer to highlight the Native Pacific Islander experiences, communities, and culture on campus. Join us to be in community with faculty, staff, and students. Food and drinks will be provided.

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) and the Native American and Indigenous Resource Center (NAIRC).

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Rooted and Rising: APISAA in Bloom Reception

Monday, April 27
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Laurel MPR

We invite you to join us for this special occasion as we conclude APISAA Heritage Month with a luncheon honoring this year’s scholarship recipients from the scholarships offered by APARC, Asian American Studies, and AAPIFSA. This gathering will provide an opportunity to reflect on the month’s programming and recognize the accomplishments of our student scholars.

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC). Follow @csufaparc on Instagram

Register for Rooted and Rising: APISAA in Bloom Reception.

Bridging Success: Conversations for APISAA Men (APARC x MSI)

Thursday, April 30
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., PLS-170 Brave Space

Join APARC and MSI for a meaningful dialogue honoring APISAA male identities. Through personal stories, APISAA faculty and staff will explore the stereotypes, challenges, and expectations they’ve faced—and how they’ve carved paths to success in higher education.

Hosted by the Asian Pacific American Resource Center (APARC) and Male Success Initiative (MSI). Follow @csufaparc on Instagram

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