AAPI Heritage Month is observed nationally in May, but USC celebrates in April when students are still on campus. (USC Photo/Greg Hernandez)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes early at USC
Trojans kick off AAPI celebration with Hawaiian dance performances, inspiring speakers and community spirit.
A crowd of more than 300 people stopped by McCarthy Quad on USC’s University Park Campus to take part in the annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month festivities on Wednesday.
Professor Karen Tongson of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, one of the main speakers, explained why the theme of the event, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” resonated so strongly with her.
“It’s the strength we draw from one another when the world feels uncertain or unwelcome,” Tongson said to the crowd. “The [AAPI] communities have long been part of the fabric of this university and of Los Angeles. From generations who built lives here under difficult circumstances to students today who carry forward these legacies, we’re all part of the story that’s still unfolding.”
AAPI Heritage Month became federally designated in 1992 to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture and achievements of the United States. Nationwide, it is observed in May, but at USC the celebration takes place throughout April when all students are still on campus.
USC Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Andrew T. Guzman welcomed the crowd, who were later entertained by a series of dance performances by the USC Hawai’i Club. Attendees were treated to light refreshments and visited booths set up by local vendors and student organizations.
