May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, during which we celebrate the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose rich heritage has shaped the history of the United States while having their lives dramatically influenced by moments in its history. At Sonoma State University, we traditionally celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in April while most of our students, staff, and faculty are present, and so we can provide a full month to recognize our Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander communities. We want to particularly begin this month by bringing attention to and condemning the violence and hatred that has been directed at the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
The 2024 AAPI Heritage Month Planning Committee will host and co-sponsor events for SSU students, staff, and faculty in solidarity against racism, coming together as a community, and celebrating the richness of Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
Associated Student Productions Presents: Lion Dance Celebration
Tuesday, April 16 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Seawolf Plaza
Join us to watch a Lion Dance group performance in honor of the Year of the Dragon! Additionally, FREE chicken potstickers will be available to attendees. For any questions or accommodations, please contact aspevent4@sonoma.edu.
A Conversation with Susan Lieu
Thursday, April 18 | 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Ballroom B | Open to the Public
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, The HUB Cultural Center will be welcoming Susan Lieu as she discusses her powerful debut – The Manicurist’s Daughter: A Memoir. The Manicurist’s Daughter is much more than a memoir about grief, trauma, and body image. It is a story of fierce determination, strength in shared culture, and finding your place in the world. Susan will be in conversation with writer, speaker, and story doula Jennifer Hyde. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. For questions or accommodations please contact delgadobi@sonoma.edu.
Adapted K-Pop Dance for All
Monday, April 22 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Seawolf Plaza
Come experience the energy and fun of K-Pop Dance as an audience member and dancer. This event, co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander American Faculty & Staff Association and Disability Services for Students, will feature a short performance of K-Pop choreographies by an inclusive dance group consisting of diverse skill levels and varied (dis)ability. Afterward, attendees will be invited to join in the dancing as they normally would or to try wheelchair dancing. For questions or accommodation, contact morimoto@sonoma.edu
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Kickoff Celebration
Wednesday, April 24 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Stevenson & Darwin Quad | Open to the Public
Please join us at the Stevenson and Darwin Quad for the kickoff celebration in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with President Lee and Asian Pacific Islander American students, faculty, and staff. Together we honor the past and present contributions of the AAPI community with food and performances by Sonoma County Taiko and Filipino American Association at SSU (FAASSU). For questions or accommodations, please contact thaoch@sonoma.edu.
Asian American Herbalism with Erin Masako Wilkins
Wednesday, April 24 | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | The HUB Cultural Center
Asian American herbalism bridges ancient theory and traditions with how Asian herbalism is practiced in modern times. Join Erin Masako Wilkins of Herb Folk for a talk on Asian American herbalism and traditional healing practices. We will learn about culturally relevant herbs to support your own Qi energy for mental and physical wellness, and she will share her experience working as a clinical herbalist and small business owner in Sonoma County. There will be an herbal tea tasting, guided Qi Gong meditation, and open discussion. For questions or accommodations please contact delgadobi@sonoma.edu.
Meditation Workshop with Sonoma Mountain Zen Center
Tuesday, April 30 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Ballroom B
Embark on a journey of mindfulness and relaxation guided by Head Abbot Nyoze Kwong. Connect with yourself, recharge your energy and leave feeling refreshed and centered. For questions or accommodations, please contact thaoch@sonoma.edu.
Culture Bites
Wednesday, May 1 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | International Hall 107
Come join us for mini culture ‘bite’ presentations by students from Asian and Pacific Island countries while enjoying some snacks and drinks! You’ll have the chance to meet different international students who generously share a little bit about their native cultures with you. For questions, please contact thaoch@sonoma.edu.
Movie Night with Anime Club
Friday, May 3 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Stevenson Hall 1300
Join Anime Club and watch Tokyo Godfathers, an anime film that touches on identity, spirituality and familiar connections. For questions or accommodations, please contact linds@sonoma.edu.
Associated Students Productions Presents: Rhythms of the Pacific
Wednesday, May 8 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Seawolf Plaza
Join Associated Students Productions for a celebration of Filipino Dance in honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join to watch performances by SSU’s FASSU while enjoying FREE Lumpia from Tambayan. For any questions or accommodations, please contact aspevent7@sonoma.edu.
FAASSU's Pacific Cultural Night
Saturday, May 11 | 12:15pm - 3:00pm | Person Theatre
Pacific Cultural Night is the largest student-run cultural showcase on the Sonoma State campus inside the Person Theatre. FAASSU uses this exhibit dance across the Filipino and Polynesian cultures, while also highlighting the talent and cultural heritage of our members and other organizations on campus. PCN gives us, the students, an opportunity to express our cultural identity as a diverse community on the Sonoma State campus. Tickets are on sale starting April 4th at the SSU Box Office. For more information or if you are interested in performing please email faassu@gmail.com or DM the Instagram @faassu.
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