Centered on the theme “Distinctly in Bloom: Growing Together,” this year’s celebration invites the campus community to explore the breadth of Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian cultures through programs hosted by the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE).
Elon University will host a series of events celebrating the rich and diverse histories and cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. While nationally observed in May to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843, Elon recognizes the month in April.
The celebration offers an opportunity for reflection, education and connection, deepening understanding of API communities’ lasting impact, with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) leading a variety of programs throughout the month.
Recognizing the diversity within Asian & Pacific Islander communities, this year’s theme, “Distinctly in Bloom: Growing Together”, focuses on highlighting the uniqueness of different Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian cultures and identities across the diaspora.
“Our hope for the theme is that the campus community will understand and get to learn about the full spectrum of APISA cultures and identities,” George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE, said. “That means also learning about each culture or people individually as well, which is something we’re hoping to highlight throughout the course of the month.”
Throughout April, with events continuing into May, the CREDE will host a variety of events to honor and highlight these communities. Highlights of this year’s events include the annual kickoff celebration, the Asian Film Series and the Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance).
For additional questions, please contact Dou at gdou@elon.edu.
Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events at Elon
Communi-Tea Time
Every Tuesday in April
12:30-1:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
APIHM Kickoff
Wednesday, April 1
5:30-7 p.m. | Medallion Plaza
The Elon community is invited to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities at our API Heritage Month Kickoff Event! This celebration will feature different foods, cultural performances, local businesses and engaging activities that highlight the contributions and traditions of API communities.
Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance)
Wednesday, April 1
7:30 p.m. | Whitley Auditorium
A duet piano recital featuring classical and Korean folk music. Kaju Lee and Lina Yoo Min Lee met while teaching in Wisconsin and have performed together at various institutions and venues, often showcasing both well-known classical pieces and works by contemporary and Korean composers. Their performances frequently feature both solo and duo (4-hands) repertoire. Sponsored by the Department of Music.
Matcha & Sushi Pops
Tuesday, April 7
2-3 p.m. | Outside Lakeside
Spring into History w/ Chinese Club & Arabic Club
Wednesday, April 8
6-8 p.m. | El Centro Kitchen (Carlton 114)
K-DNS: Open Dance Session
Friday, April 10
6-7 p.m. | Koury Dance Studio 5
Holi
Friday, April 10 (Rain dates: April 17 and April 24)
4 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Lawn
A Hindu spring festival of color and sharing love, Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Elon community gathers at Speaker’s Corner to throw colored powder at one another, celebrating the earth returning to color and life and good triumphing over evil. If you plan to throw color, please wear old clothing that can get dirtied by paint. There will also be crafts, food, and other ways to celebrate the holiday. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life.
APISA Community Dinner
Monday, April 13
5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Rainbow Boba
Friday, April 17
5:30-6:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Asian Film Series: The Globalization Tapes
Tuesday, April 21
7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103
A documentary exploring how a community in West Java navigates the forces of globalization, tourism and cultural identity.
Food For Thought: Korea
Wednesday, April 22
6 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Donghua Night
Friday, April 24
8-10 p.m. | Alamance 315
A collaboration between the Chinese Club and the Anime & Japanese Studies Club where we will be watching donghuas (动画), which is the Chinese term for anime.
Exploring Asian America: Workshop
Wednesday, April 29
5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
An interactive workshop where participants will get to learn more about the spectrum of voices and experiences in Asian America.
Asian Film Series: Perfect Days
Tuesday, May 5
7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103
A Tokyo toilet cleaner finds quiet beauty and contentment in his daily routine and unexpected human connections.
Tai Chi with Chinese Club
Wednesday, May 6
5-6 p.m. | Colonnades Quad
LTW: EOY Celebration
Thursday, May 7
6-7:30 p.m. | McKinnon (Moseley 128)
Explore the full schedule of API Heritage Month events on the CREDE website.