Unveiling Stories: Celebrating APISAA Heritage, Culture, and Resilience
The origins of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month date back to the late 1970s, when a group of activists and community leaders came together to raise awareness about the history and contributions of APIs in the United States. In 1978, they successfully lobbied Congress to pass a
joint resolution
designating the first week of May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Over the years, the weeklong celebration grew in popularity and significance, prompting Congress to
expand the observance
to a full month in 1992. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first-known Japanese immigrant to the United States, and also marks the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was largely built by Chinese immigrants. Today, API Heritage Month is celebrated across the country with a variety of events, programs and activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to the United States.
At CSUF, we celebrate Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISAA) Heritage Month every April, instead of May, to ensure the inclusion and active participation of the campus community. APISAA is a more inclusive term to honor our diverse identities as we continue to strive for better representation. To learn more about the term APISAA,
visit the Asian Pacific American Resource Center Instagram.
The theme of the 2025 APISAA Heritage Month is “Unveiling Stories: Celebrating APISAA Heritage, Culture, and Resilience.” This year, we come together to honor and uplift the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions within the Asian Pacific Islander South Asian American (APISAA) community. We celebrate the richness of our collective experiences while acknowledging the challenges we face and striving to foster greater understanding, unity, and learning. APISAA Heritage Month serves as a powerful reminder that each individual within our community is a vital and irreplaceable part of the whole. By embracing our differences and sharing our stories, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
To have your program added to the calendar of events, please submit the Call for Programs form.
