The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) month. However, Sonoma State has a tradition of celebrating in April so that students, faculty and staff can truly appreciate all this month has to offer. SSU also recognizes the importance of providng a full month to acknowledge the Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander communities we have on our campus. 

According to the 2022 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month homepage, SSU states that, “We want to particularly begin this month by bringing attention to and condemning the violence and hatred that has been directed at the Asian and Pacific Islander community.” The website goes on to say, “The 2022 AAPI Heritage Month Planning Committee will be hosting and co-sponsoring events for SSU students, staff, and faculty in solidarity against racism, coming together as a community, and celebrating the richness of Asian American Pacific Islander communities.” 

The AAPI community aims to provide a space for education and celebration to take place for a marginalized community, while also creating an opportunity for them to share their experiences and rich heritage. 

Faculty Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander American Faculty and Staff Association Lauren Morimoto said, “15 years ago there was not much involvement when I came to Sonoma State. Unfortunately, diversity and inclusion work takes place on top of working a regular full time job so it was hard to create a sustainable program.” Morimoto went on to say,“now there is an office, institutional support and we are able to partner with the community.” 

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) of Sonoma County is one organization that partners with SSU to help run the campus events that take place during AAPI month. This year, JACL hosted a live mochi pounding demonstration which is a Japanese New Year tradition. 

Some other events that took place this month include AAPI heritage month opening ceremony where local water and climate justice advocate, Sheridan Noelani Enomoto was the keynote speaker and “IN/VISIBLE: Asian American Feminism at SSU” where attendees got the opportunity to hear from several Asian American campus leaders who have made great contributions to classrooms, advising and campus organizing. 

“I  think the most important thing I learned [from this month] is that I am not alone. I had never really found any connection to my culture or heritage on campus until this month. Being able to meet and learn about all of the positive and powerful Asian American staff and faculty on campus as well as being empowered to be able to do my own event was really amazing,” said fourth year and HUB intern, Sachiko Keller. 

Keller put on her own event on Tuesday called “Reconnecting with your heritage” where she facilitated conversations about Japanese American heritage. Keller additionally shared her family’s story and her experiences of being a Japanese American. 

When asked why she works so hard to make this month special, Morimoto said, “A student just came up to me today and said one of the events took him right back to feeling like a kid. It is a community and a sense of home.” 

Some upcoming events for AAPI month include sushi making on May 10 from 4-6 p.m. and AAPI bystander intervention training on May 12 from 12-1 p.m. To learn more about past events and AAPI month, head to http://diversity.sonoma.edu