Another month gone! This semester is going by way too fast and it’s already April. But something special happens in April, and no it’s not Tax Day. April is when the University of Maryland celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Technically, this month-long celebration happens in May, recognizing and commemorating the Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the United States. May wasn’t pulled out of the air though. The government specifically chose May to remember the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States and the anniversary of when the transcontinental railroad was finished
Since May is the end of the semester, it wouldn’t be fair for the Asians and Pacific Islanders to only have half a month to celebrate. That’s why for the university, APA Heritage Month is always April and there’s some exciting events to look out for. Each year, APA Heritage Month has a special theme. This year will be INDEFYNABLE: Struggle Together, Stand Together. Events this month will focus on creating ways for Asian Pacific Americans to resist stereotypes and injustice and unite and stand together as one.
The first big event is actually today (April 1), and no it’s not an April Fool’s Joke. It’s the APAHM Fest! It’ll be at 6:00pm in Stamp’s Prince George’s Room. There’ll be FREE activities, a community dinner, an introduction to the theme “InDEFYnable: Struggle Together, Stand Together,” and a preview of the month’s events. G-Girls, an Asian-focused dance group will be performing and the former director of South Asian Americans Leading Together, Deepa Iyer, will be the keynote speaker at this event.
As we look forward into the month, there’ll be panels and open forums scattered throughout the month. Here are just a few:
Exploring Cultural Factors Affecting the Mental Health, Academic Success, and Identity Development of Students of Asian-American/Pacific Islanders
April 3, 2014 | 12:00pm-1:30pm | Special Events Room (6137), McKeldin Library
Jinhee Kang and Yi-Jiun Lin, Staff Counselors, University Counseling Center
More info: ylin1234@umd.edu
Based on existing literature, the presenters will discuss various cultural factors related to the mental health, academic success, and identity development of AAPIs.
Diversity Summit
April 18, 2014 | 2:00pm-4:00pm | Colony Ballroom, Stamp Student Union | Free event!
Student Government Association Diversity Committee
More info: jehrenkrantz@gmail.com
UMD will host community leaders and professionals from the public and private sectors. UMD students will have an opportunity to network and connect with leaders in the DC area for potential future opportunities.
In case you can’t make it to the APAHM Fest, there are plenty of more cultural events, all specially organized by different cultural clubs here at the University of Maryland.
If you’ve ever wanted to try Korean BBQ or some Iranian cuisine now’s your chance.
If you want to experience a Taiwanese Night Market or watch some ethnic performances, you can too. Check out just a few of the events happening this month.
Festival of India
April 4, 2014 | 11:00am-4:00pm | Hornbake Plaza | Free event! | Bhagavad-Gita Club
We will share the delicious food, vibrant culture, colorful traditions, exhibits, ancient wisdom, yoga, meditation, and fine art of India with students, faculty, and staff for free right here on campus!
Tianyi Awakens
April 5, 2014 | 7:00pm-9:00pm | Hoff Theatre | Free event! | Tianyi Dance Team
In our first ever showcase, we will be answering the question: ʺWhat is traditional Chinese dance?ʺ
Asian Pacific American Monologues
April 21, 2014 | Charles Carroll Room, Stamp Student Union | 7:00pm | Free event!
Night Market
April 25, 2014 | 7:00 |Grand Ballroom | Tickets: $3 | Taiwanese American Student Association
Night Market is an annual event of ours that celebrates the culture of Taiwan. We hope to emulate the festive atmosphere of a traditional Night Market with plenty of food, games, and prizes.
Hoops for Haiyan
April 27, 2014 | 7:00am Registration Opens | Armory Building | Registration fee per team
Filipino Cultural Association
Hoops for Haiyan is a charity basketball tournament geared towards uniting the University of Maryland community to raise awareness and funds towards Typhoon Haiyan Relief efforts. In addition to a friendly competition, there will be raffles and smaller games to raise money for the rebuilding of the Philippines. All proceeds will go to the Philippine Red Cross.
Before you know it, the month of recognizing Asian Pacific American culture will be all over with the grand finale. The APAHM Closing Celebration. On Apr. 29, at 6p.m., in Stamp’s Prince George’s room, there’ll be free dinner and reflections on the month.
So forget about those upcoming finals and projects and go out and experience Asian Pacific American culture!