The Colors of the APISAA Mosaic: Piecing Together Our Diverse Stories
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 Instagram.
The theme of 2024 is "The Colors of the APISAA Mosaic: Piecing Together Our Diverse Stories." Just like a mosaic made up of different colored pieces, we acknowledge that each person in the APISAA community has their own story to tell, shaped by their individual experiences and cultural traditions. By sharing these stories, we can deepen our understanding of the unique tapestry of the APISAA community. By embracing the colors of the APISAA mosaic, we can celebrate our rich and diverse cultures, experiences and histories, while also working to address these challenges and promote greater understanding and inclusion. APISAA Heritage Month reminds us that every individual in the APISAA community is a valuable and integral part of the whole, and that by coming together and embracing our differences, we can create a brighter and more vibrant future for all.
To have your program added to the calendar of events, please submit the Call for Programs form.
