Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)

Everyone is invited to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI HM) at El Camino College!

Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI HM) and a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) have played in our shared history. We invite students, staff, faculty, and community members to participate in the month-long AANHPI HM 2025 celebration.

Purpose

AANHPI HM is a nationally recognized observance in the United States that celebrates the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans.

AANHPI HM is observed during May each year, highlighting the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans, who are descendants from the continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Calendar of Events

Through the events and cultural highlights of AANHPI HM 2025, we'll raise awareness, celebrate diversity, honor history and foster inclusion across campus.

Learn More:

Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage: A Visual Experience

Asian American Experience

MANA Experience

Calendar of Events
Thurs, May 1	AANHPI Heritage Month Kick Off! All are welcome to come and celebrate the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with LIVE MUSICAL and DANCE PERFORMANCES by Asano Taiko U.S., Tupulaga Polynesian Dance Group, and ECC Barkada!	1:00 - 3:00 pm	Student Service Plaza
Tues, May 6	MANA Center Open House Join the MANA Center's Open House and check out what they have going on this semster! Meet the amazing MANA staff, learn about its work and experience its community. Learn more about the MANA Program here.	1:00 -3:00 pm	MANA Center (Comm 304)
Tues, May 13	MANA Counseling Clinic MANA Counselors are available to assist students with identifying and understanding the pathway necessary to take in order to reach their academic goals.	10:00 - 2:00 pm	MANA Center (Comm 304)
Thurs, May 15	AANHPI Read In Join us for a very special Read In featuring Pasifika and/or Asian, Asian-American narratives, books and authors. A Social Justice Center & Humanities Department collaboration.	1:15 - 2:15 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Tues, May 20	Lei Making "Lunch & Learn" Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lei Making. Lei making holds profound historical and cultural significance in Hawaiian and Polynesian societies, representing love, respect, and the "Aloha" spirit , with leis used in ceremonies, to honor deities, and to signify status. Participants will also have an opportunity to make leis of their own. Fiyehnesian Cuisine available for students (first come first serve and limited to supply). A Social Justice Center & MANA collaboration.	12:00 pm - 2:00 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Tues, May 27	Telling Your Story Librarian Analu Kameeiamoku Josephides Cruze shares his journey as a published author who bringing to life the stories of his ancestors.	1:15 - 2:15 pm (tbc)	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Thurs, May 29	AANHPI Talanoa As we wrap up AANHPI Heritage Month, the Social Justice Center in collaboration with the MANA Center invite all to participate in a Talanoa, a Pacifika term, meaning "talk" or "discussion" referring to a process of inclusive, participatory, and transparent dialogue that emphasizes sharing stories, building empathy, and making wise decisions for the collective good. This Talanoa will be have a "Paint & Sip" activity, giving participants an opportunity to paint culturally relevant pieces as they talk.	12:00 - 2:00 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)

Zoom Backgrounds

Celebrate with these Zoom virtual backgrounds (click to open, right-click the image and save to your computer).

Important to Note

It's important to note that while Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are celebrated during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, there are many diverse and unique cultural experiences to acknowledge. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders come from a wide range of countries and cultures, and their experiences in the United States are multifaceted and should not be considered monolithic.

History

The observance of Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month originated in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution of Congress designating the first week of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a bill that expanded the observance to May. The month-long celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans in all areas of American society, including arts, literature, science, politics, and business. It also serves as a time to promote greater understanding and awareness of the diverse experiences and cultures of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans.

Accommodations

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, email mxdelgado@elcamino.edu as soon as possible, but no later than seven days prior to the event.