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.
