Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the contributions and influence of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the history, culture, and achievements in the United States.
The ideas that brought about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month started in the 1970s in the US Congress. After successfully establishing Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in May, 1979, the celebration expanded to a month long observance in 1990, and in 1992 May was officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
May was selected to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7th, 1843 and the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10th, 1869 which was largely built by Chinese immigrants.
CTRL + A
“CTRL+A acts as an entity that celebrates diversity and expresses the Asian Pacific Islander American experience through dance performances while advocating for APIA culture and representation at Michigan State University. CTRL+A hopes to provide members and supporters of the APIA community with a space in which they should have the freedom to express themselves and advocate for the community.”
Instagram: msuctrla
Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
“The purpose of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association is to address the needs and concerns of the Asian Pacific American law students within the law school through programs including but not limited to: assisting Asian Pacific American law students in achieving their academic and professional goals; fostering a sense of community within APALSA through a number of social, cultural and educational events; to work with Asian Pacific American communities, locally and nationally by providing APALSA members with access and opportunities for involvement; and to educate, inform and work with the law school in addressing issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans.”
Asian Pacific American Student Organization
“We, representatives of the Asian Pacific American undergraduate student body, shall advocate for APA topics and affairs in order to enrich the Spartan community. Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO) shall provide a voice for the Asian Pacific American student body on Michigan State University's campus in a social, political, and academic context.
Rooted in activism, APASO strives to support an inclusive, active, and intersectional community on MSU’s campus. APASO works towards creating awareness through collaboration, programming, and networking: partnering with registered student organizations (RSOs), faculty, administration, and individuals and groups outside of MSU’s community.
All interested Michigan State University students who support the objectives and purposes of the organization may be members. The organization will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight. Also, only MSU students may be officers and/or voting members.”
Asian Pacific Islander Desi-American Celebratory
“Founded in September 2019, APIDA Celebratory exists for the betterment of its Members, the University, and the APIDA community. The purpose of this organization is to provide a supportive environment to the APIDA community through acts of scholarship, academic excellence, personal development, and leadership. Most importantly, the organization strives to celebrate the graduation of APIDA students.”
WE ARE SAATH MSU
“The purpose of this Organization is to shift the narrative around Mental Health in the South Asian community with education, activism, and storytelling. WE ARE SAATH MSU seeks to sensitize South Asians and all who join us to mental health challenges while providing a space for friendship and hope to those affected. We inspire Power - to feel accepted and understood by all and to stand in solidarity as one family. WE ARE SAATH MSU empowers members to share their stories and have meaningful dialogues about mental health, its effect on all of us, and how to break down the stigma surrounding it. WE ARE SAATH MSU will have activities to help cope with the pressures of school and the cultural community. Activities are open to all in a safe, judgment-free environment. All are welcome regardless of background.”
Spartan Sur
“This organization hopes to unite its members through music and invite the university community, as well as the general public to listen to our songs and in doing so learn about the South Asian culture.”
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