The rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders stretches back thousands of years. The month of May takes time to commemorate the rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders, emphasizing the important roles in our shared history. Significant moments in their past have both greatly affected the lives of these peoples as well as shaped the United States. Every May, during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI Month) and throughout the year, national organizations and local partners share stories of this history and the continuing culture thriving in communities today.
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council recognizes the importance of leveraging the collective power, story telling, and role of bridge builders in our communities. FAPAC emphasizes the bridges prevalent in AANHPI communities in innovation, resilience, hard work, creating connection, and building a sense of belonging.
How did Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month come to be? The origin of AAPI Heritage Month dates back to June 30th, 1977. Three joint resolutions in the 95th Congress proposed the first 10 days in May as "Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week." By March 28th, 199, President Carer issued Proclamation 4650, in which he spoke of the significant role Asian/Pacific Americans have played in the dynamics of American society. The first AAPI Heritage Month was declared on May 7th, 1990 by President George H. W. Bush. May was officially designated as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month two years later and was renamed to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM) in 1992.
Featured IVC Event
Invisible No More: The Rise of AAPI Voices in Media
Tuesday, May 5 | 4 – 5:30 pm | B 356 and Zoom
Join us for an inspiring hybrid panel in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month as we spotlight the growing visibility and impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander creators in entertainment and storytelling.
ELEVATE AAPI End of Year Celebration
Thursday, April 30 | 4 – 7 pm | A 311
ELEVATE AAPI wants to recognize all students (new, continuing, and graduating) for their academic achievements and completion of the program. Certificates will be awarded, alongside cultural performances, several student speakers, and a reception dinner prior to the start of the event.
Tea Time Talks
Monday, May 4 | Noon – 1 pm | B 356
Are you looking to enjoy free boba and meet new friends? Don’t miss out on ELEVATE AAPI's Tea Time Talks at IVC! Join us for fun activities, good vibes, and community building. The first 15 students who register will get free Boba Tea!
Invisible No More: The Rise of AAPI Voices in Media
Tuesday, May 5 | 4 – 5:30 pm | B 356 and Zoom
Join us for an inspiring hybrid panel in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month as we spotlight the growing visibility and impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander creators in entertainment and storytelling.
Hawaiian Lei Making Workshop
Wednesday, May 6 | 12:30 – 2 pm | A 207
Take a study break and celebrate Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month by participating in a Hawaiian Lei Making Workshop. ELEVATE AAPI is partnering with Ulupono Leis to host the workshop. All lei making supplies will be provided.
ELEVATE AAPI Wellness Wednesdays – Watercolor Graduation Cards
Wednesday, May 6 | 2 – 3 pm | CAANAPI, B 354
Take a well-deserved break from studying and join our Wellness Wednesday Workshop Series! Each workshop features thoughtfully planned wellness activities designed to help you relax, recharge, and refocus. All materials and supplies are provided at no cost, just show up and enjoy. Make time for self-care, creativity, and connection right here on campus in a welcoming, low-stress environment. Open to All Students.
ELEVATE AAPI: Asian Immigrant Experiences
Wednesday, May 7 | 12:30 – 2 pm | A 207
Join us for a discussion on Asian immigrant experiences. ELEVATE AAPI faculty mentors will be sharing their experiences as immigrants coming to the U.S. and the educational, social, cultural, and economic challenges they encountered along the way.
Patterns with Purpose: A Batik Experience
Thursday, May 7 | 4 – 6 pm | CAANAPI, B 354
Join us for a hands-on batik workshop where you’ll explore the rich cultural history behind this traditional textile art—from its roots to its global influence today. We’ll walk through the storytelling woven into batik patterns and what they represent across different cultures.
Tea Time Talks
Monday, May 18 | Noon – 1 pm | B 356
Are you looking to enjoy free boba and meet new friends? Don’t miss out on ELEVATE APPI Tea Time Talks at IVC! Join us for fun activities, good vibes, and community building. The first 15 students who register will get free Boba Tea!
Pacific Islander Festival — Fountain Valley
Saturday, May 2 | 10 am - 4 pm | Fountain Valley Sports Park, Fountain Valley
Partnered with Tupua Productions, the festival features live cultural performances, traditional music and dance, local vendors, and authentic Pacific Island cuisine. Families can spend the day exploring the rich traditions and heritage of Pacific Island communities through entertainment, food, and cultural showcases.
South Coast Chinese Cultural Association Presents: Legends
Saturday, May 30 | 7 pm | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa | Purchase Tickets »
SSCA is presenting LEGENDS, a living tradition rooted in folktales and carried across generations through word of mouth. The performance preserves cultural memory, values, and identity. This event celebrates the vitality of legends that have been passed down to connect generations.
South Coast Plaza presents 2nd Annual Asian Pacific Food Fest
Sunday, May 18 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm | Level 1, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing | Purchase Ticket »
This event recognizes the commendable contributions of several Asian-American chefs and restaurant owners located at South Coast Plaza.
ELEVATE AAPI
ELEVATE AAPI (Equitable Learning Experience Valuing Achievement, Transfer and Empowering Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) is designed to better serve Irvine Valley College’s students and the local community through targeted initiatives and expanded resources. More Info »
Fellowship Exchange of Lessons Learned and Academic Support (IVC FELLAS)
IVC FELLAS (formerly EMCEES) is a DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) driven male initiative focused on student success and community engagement for the college’s self-identified men of color students, staff, and faculty. This brotherhood was created to encourage college completion and transfer and to establish a sense of belonging. All are welcome. More Info »
Womxn of Color Collective (WoCC)
The WoCC is a group dedicated to building community and empowering self-identified womxn of color students, staff, and faculty. Womxn is used in place of “women” to be inclusive of all gender experiences surrounding femininity. Non-female-identifying students such as non-binary and gender expansive folks are explicitly invited and welcomed. More Info »
Asian American and Pacific Islander Club (AAPI) Club
The Asian American and Pacific Islander Club shall promote public awareness of the cultures, history, and struggles of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, stimulate and develop student interest in spreading knowledge to the community of not well known parts of different cultures of both Asian and Pacific Islanders through creating events that can help support and increase the influence of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures in the community, and participate in community or volunteer work as well. More Info »
International Student Club
The International Students club has been founded for the purpose of: Promoting greater diversity in the IVC community; Providing International students an opportunity to unite with others who share the common experience of studying abroad in the US; Encouraging international students to engage in IVC campus activities and programs; Assisting international students in gaining a better understanding of American culture and adjusting to life in the IVC community. More Info »
South Asian Student Association (SASA)
The South Asian Student Association (SASA) is dedicated to fostering a supportive community and promoting cultural awareness, education, and interaction among students of South Asian descent and the wider IVC community. More Info »
Vietnamese Student Association
The Vietnamese Student Association is an organization that provides a safe and engaging environment for all members to share the experience of learning more about the Vietnamese culture. Food, tradition, and the history of Vietnam will be celebrated and taught through a series of meetings and events throughout the year. More Info »