Although Asians have been present in America since the mid-1500s, their heritage wasn’t officially recognized until 1978 when President Carter signed a resolution in recognition of their many contributions. In 1992, President Bush established May as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Including Americans of South Asian descent, we celebrate the cultural richness of Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans during APIDA Heritage Month this May at Guttman.
At the 5/6 campus kick-off, anyone passing through the atrium enjoyed a relaxing break to sip boba tea and fold colorful origami creations while listening to a variety of Asian fusion music. Later in the month, on 5/13, Professor Juliana “Juju” Wong returned to campus to lead a discussion addressing conflicts that APIDA students may feel about what majors and professions to pursue. Wong addressed the pressures and expectations that many first-generation children of immigrants face with their academic and career choices and offered guidance in navigating conversations with families, peers, and communities.
Conversations continued in a different vein on 5/15 with “Table Talk: All Things Anime!” led by Peer Leaders. Dr. Emily Grace Siy introduced 5/15 “Acupuncture and Acupressure” as the focus of her talk on Chinese Medicine, explaining acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy through the body. May’s cultural events concluded on 5/29 with a conversational panel “Amplifying AAPI Voices: Stories of Strength and Solidarity,” the second of the President’s Speaker Series this month, followed by a lively Karaoke party.
