CSUB celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Several events being held throughout April and early May

By California State University, Bakersfield

April 12^th, 2023

Dance, music, film screenings and discussions of culture, history and experience will mark the celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this April at California State University, Bakersfield.

While AAPI Heritage Month is traditionally recognized in May, the campus celebration is being held in April to avoid conflict with finals and other end-of-year activities. The goals of the celebration are to highlight the contributions of the AAPI community as well as dispel stereotypes and misconceptions.

“AAPI Heritage Month is an important time to remember and celebrate our unique cultural backgrounds and heritages,” said Asian Faculty and Staff Network (AFSN) Co-Chair Aaron Wan. “This month-long celebration can help build a better cross-cultural understanding between different ethnic backgrounds through the sharing of stories, experiences, art and history. As the university and the community continues to grow and diversify, it is important to recognize our differences to create a place of inclusivity.”

The celebration will have a kick-off event on Friday, April 14, at the Student Union patio from 1:30-3 p.m. It will include Polynesian dance performances from Aloha Entertainment and Tatou Uma Polynesian Dance Group.

There will also be a screening of the animated Studio Ghibli film “Grave of the Fireflies” at 6 p.m. that day in the Student Union multipurpose room. The film showcases the impacts of World War II on Japan.

A host of other free events being held as part of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration will be open to the campus community.

April 12: Screening of “The Hong Konger” at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union multipurpose room. The film is about Jimmy Lai’s struggle for freedom.

April 19: AAPI panel discussion, 12-1:30 p.m. in the Student Union multipurpose room. The panel will discuss the diverse experiences of the AAPI community.

April 22: CSUB will host the Central Valley Pacific Islander Emerging Leaders Conference, during which high school students of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander descent will visit the university to develop their skills and knowledge.

May 9: Trivia night, 6-8 p.m. in the Stockdale Room. There will be prizes, a photo booth and a t-shirt decoration contest.

There will also be a virtual AAPI Stories Gallery that will be available to be viewed later this month on the AFSN website. The gallery will consist of a collection of stories focusing on the history and experiences of AAPI people who migrated to the U.S.