UHart Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) in April

UHart celebrates the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) in April, this year. Nationally celebrated a month later in May, it is an acknowledgement of the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups in these vibrant communities.  It is important to understand that “Asian” is a very complex and broad term that encompasses many countries and regions, cultures and subcultures, norms, diets, languages, and more. Describing things as “Asian” without more specificity can actually be offensive. That’s because using such a broad term brushes aside the unique identities and histories of specific culture. Countries that identify as AAPI include 75 countries from the Asian continent, East, Southeast, and South Asia as well as the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. 

Historical Overview:

The term “Asian American” is also unique to the United States. Read more about the term “Asian American” in this Vox article: “The inadequacy of the term ‘Asian American.”

In 1978, a joint Congressional Resolution to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week was signed during the first week of May due to two major anniversaries: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad of which included Chinese laborers on May 10 1869. In 1990, this week was later expanded by President Bush into a month-long celebration. 

Educational Resources

We encourage everyone to further explore the resources shared below to engage with Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

1. Asian How You See Me 
2. Webinar: AAPI heritage month celebration series. With permission from the organizers and Colombia university. Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Time: Monday, April 8, 8 p.m. EDT
3. Title: The Chinese Question:  The Gold Rushes and Global Politics in the 19th century. Register here.
4. PBS Learning Videos:
   1. Asian American Stories of Resilience and Beyond Volume 1
   2. Four Ted Talk to Watch for AAPI Heritage Month
5. AAPI Led Podcasts
   1. Asian American: The Ken Fong Podcast: Hosted by Ken Fong. Explore culture, history, and spirituality through interviews with culture-makers in the Asian American community.
   2. The AUTH Ethnic Podcast: Bringing authenticity to ethnicity, this series focuses on a range of unfiltered discussions on race, social issues, and the Asian American experience.
   3. Dear Workplace: Hosted by Monica H. Kang, a workplace creativity expert, untangle workplace problems while diving into workplace trends, changes, and challenges.
   4. Legends from The Pacific: This series documents the folklore tales and traditions from Pacific Island nations across Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
6.  Books
   1. A list of must-read books that highlight and exemplify contemporary Asian American and Pacific Islanders that have assimilated into American culture.
   2. My Life growing up Asian American
7. Recommended Social Media Channels
   1. Stop AAPI Hate: Facebook| Instagram | Twitter
   2. Asian Mental Health Collective: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   3. Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   4. National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   5. Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   6. Asian American Feminist Collective: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   7. National Council of Asian Pacific Americans: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   8. The Asian American Foundation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   9. Queer Asian Social Club: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
8. Campus Resources
   1. Asian Student Association (ASA)
   2. I-SEE Affinity Group
   3. Office of Diversity and Community Engagement
   4. International Students Services

Questions, comments, or suggestions contact Christine Grant, Assistant Vice President, for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement (cgrant@hartford.edu; 860.768.4220) and/or Jackie Green, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, (jackgreen@hartford.edu; 860.768.4932).