The rich heritage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) stretches back thousands of years. 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 and throughout the year, national organizations and local partners share stories of this history and the continuing culture thriving in communities today.
How did Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month come to be? "A joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim annually a week during the first 10 days in May as Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week" was passed through both the House and the Senate and ultimately signed by President Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1978 to become Public Law 95-419. In 1990, George H. W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress to extend Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week to a month. 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 2009. In 2021, AAPIHM officially changed to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month.
AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration
Tuesday, May 7 | 11 am - 2 pm | SSC Quad
AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. Join us for our campus celebration featuring live performances, AANHPI foods, community organizations, and more!
Visual Arts Private Tour and Department Presentation
Tuesday, May 7 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Fine Arts and Gallery Lobby (FA 101)
Check out the newest creative space on campus – the Visual Arts building in the Arts Village! Take a private tour with Professor Terry Chatkupt, Chair of Visual Arts, and learn about the great programs and opportunities in our Visual Arts Department ! Explore the Visual Arts courses and programs including Art History, Digital Media Art, Interactive Media Art, and Studio Arts! Refreshments will be provided.
What It Means to Be a Queer Filipino?: The Intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+ and AAPI
Wednesday, May 8 | 2 – 3:30 pm | Fine Arts and Gallery, Room 110
Artist, educator, writer, performer, podcaster, and Filipino-American, Dustin Domingo, will be giving a talk about his new book With Love — a collection of letters written by individuals to their younger selves that captures the stories and perspectives of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos living in the United States, and to address the question "What we wish we knew about being queer and Filipino in America."
Segerstrom Center for the Arts Asian American and Pacific Heritage Month
Join us for a vibrant and enriching journey as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander arts & culture during AAPI Heritage Month this May! From captivating live performances to upbeat dance classes, compelling film screenings and thought-provoking discussions, there's something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. See List of Events »
AAPI 5K- Bolsa Chica
Wednesday, May 8 | 6 pm | Bolsa Chica State Beach | Register »
The AAPI 5K is a community run celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will fundraise for incredible AAPI non-profits.Register and make a team to support APCF!
Ma(n)y Celebration Event
Thursday, May 16 | Heritage Museum of OC | 9 am - 2 pm | Register »
Our 3rd annual Ma(n)y Celebration Event event aims to raise awareness about and celebrate the various cultural events and holidays in May, including AAPI Heritage Month, Mental Health Month, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more. We will be inviting various partners and community-based organizations to provide resources and mental health activities to the community, as well as hosting a cultural fashion show to celebrate the diverse cultures in our community.
South Coast Plaza presents 2nd Annual Asian Pacific Food Fest
Saturday, May 18 | 5 – 7:30 pm | Level 1, Saks Fifth Avenue Wing
Angels vs. Yankees Baseball Game | Wednesday, May 29 | Game Time: 6:38 pm | Angel Stadium
Celebrate Taiwanese Heritage Night on Wednesday, May 29 when the Angels take on the New York Yankees. Tickets include an Angels Taiwanese Heritage Night shirt! To purchase this package, you will need to enter the promo code TAIWAN. Be sure to join us in the Gate 1 Rose Garden to pick up your Taiwanese Heritage Night shirt. Purchase Tickets »
Final Fridays: Asian Comics After Hours + Ghost in the Shell (1996) screening, DJ, and Q&A with Asian Comics Artist, Sonny Liew!
Friday, May 31 | 4 – 8 pm | Bowers Musuem | Tickets »
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 »
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 »
Indonesian Cultural Club
The Indonesian Cultural Club hopes to connect all Indonesian students in IVC together and provide them with an Indonesian community for them to be comfortable and have fun throughout their time in IVC. 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 »
Japanese Club
The Japanese Club serves as a cultural exchange club. It provides a social environment for both Japanese exchange students and students who are interested in Japanese culture and language. For students who are interested in Japanese culture and language, the club’s activities provide them exposure to the Japanese culture and language, and actively engage them in learning about Japan while also making connections with other IVC students. More Info »
Korean Student Association
The Korean Student Association of Irvine Valley College shall purpose to support Korean students in IVC by sharing and providing information related to transfer and school life in Irvine Valley College. 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 Club
The Vietnamese club 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 »
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 »