Cal Poly Pomona is commemorating Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month with multiple events on campus starting in April.
Officially recognized in May, CPP is getting a jumpstart on APIDA festivities for optimum celebration.
The origins of APIDA Heritage Month date back to 1978 when the U.S. Congress officially began to recognize the APIDA community with Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. This week-long observance, which recognizes the contributions, histories, and cultures of APIDA individuals, continued to be celebrated until Congress extended it to a month in 1992.
With the rising anti-Asian hate crimes reported since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Monterey Park mass shooting in January that left 11 APIDA individuals dead and nine injured, there is a collective need to uplift the community.
Observing this cultural celebration is important to more than just the APIDA population. Individuals who don't identify as APIDA can increase their support of the community by educating themselves on APIDA cultures and histories, buying from APIDA businesses, and simply joining local cultural celebrations throughout the month.
In this spirit, here is the list of events CPP will be hosting to celebrate.
APIDA Night Market - Thursday, April 6 | University Park 5 to 7 p.m.
The Asian and Pacific Islander Student Center presents APIDA Night Market, formally known as the Annual APISC Showcase, to kick off Asian Pacific Islander Desi Heritage Month. Join the celebration, which will be full of live performances, tote bags giveaways, art, and more. This year's theme is "Celebrating the 25 Years of the APISC Mural." The first 50 attendees of the event will receive free boba from Lollicup.
"Everything Everywhere All at Once" Screening - Friday, April 14 | CBA 163-2026 Noon to 3 p.m.
The APISC is proud to screen the award winning, Oscar sweeping film, "Everything Everywhere All at Once. This is an opportunity for students to reflect on the importance of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American stories, especially ones about intergenerational trauma, celebrating our skills/abilities/ambition, and the identities of being queer and/or lower income. Besides the movie screening, there will be a craft table for everyone to create their own affirmation rock similar to the characters in the movie.
Sustainabili-TEA Chat - Monday, April 17 | APISC 95-101
Come to the APISC on April 17h during Earth Week for a cup of tea and a talk about the seldom-highlighted steps the Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi community have been taking to improve the environment as part of its culture and traditions.
"Brown and Gay in L.A." - Wednesday, April 26 | Ursa Major A-B 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In collaboration with CECCHE, APISC, and Pride Center, we welcome Anthony Ocampo, CPP professor in the sociology department, to discuss his new book, "Brown and Gay in L.A.: The Life of Immigrant Sons." He is also author of "The Latinos of Asia: How Filipino Americans Break the Rules of Race," which has been featured on NPR, NBC News, Literary Hub, and in the Los Angeles Times.
APIDA Family Festival - Thursday, May 13 | Mt. SAC 3 to 6 p.m.
Join the collaboration inaugural event between Mt. SAC and CPP where they will be welcoming APIDA families to celebrate APIDA culture and learn more about college.
APIDA Graduation - Thursday, May 20 | Kellogg Arena 10 a.m. to noon
Cultural and Identity-based graduation celebrations are campus-wide events that honor the achievements and academic excellence of students while incorporating traditions and practices that uplift our communities! This year, the celebrations will be held in-person, and graduates may register for more than one celebration. It is recommended to register by Tuesday, April 4 to ensure you receive a memento.
Alumni Hosted Events
Alumni Mixer - Friday, April 21 | Innovation Brew Works 6 to 8 p.m.
Connect with fellow alumni, enjoy dinner, and make new connections. The Pilipino Alumni Chapter is hosting an alumni mixer at Innovation Brew Works! Parking is free and dinner with non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided. Register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/59049517596
Kaïlūkuān Workshop - Saturday, May 6 | 10 a.m. to noon
CPP Alumni Association - Pilipino American Chapter, in partnership with Kaïlūkuän School of Indigenous Science, is proud to present Introduction to Kaïlūkuān. This two-hour workshop is an introduction to the sciences, spiritual practices, and hands-on application of the combat and healing practices of Northern Luzon, brought to us by Manursuro Virgil Mayor Apostol, master teacher and co-founder of Kaïlūkuän School of Indigenous Science, and author of "Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions" (North Atlantic Books, 2010). Register using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/602735306527.
You are also invited to download and use the CPP Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month background on Zoom and Teams.