Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)

Everyone is invited to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI HM) at El Camino College!

Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage

Join us for this month's AANHPI Heritage Month events!View Flyer

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI HM) and a time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) have played in our shared history. We invite students, staff, faculty, and community members to participate in the month-long AANHPI HM 2025 celebration.

Purpose

AANHPI HM is a nationally recognized observance in the United States that celebrates the contributions and achievements of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans.

AANHPI HM is observed during May each year, highlighting the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans, who are descendants from the continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Calendar of Events

Through the events and cultural highlights of AANHPI HM 2025, we'll raise awareness, celebrate diversity, honor history and foster inclusion across campus.

Learn More:

• Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage: A Visual Experience

• Asian American Experience

• MANA Experience

Calendar of Events
Thurs, May 1	AANHPI Heritage Month Kick Off! All are welcome to come and celebrate the beginning of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with LIVE MUSICAL and DANCE PERFORMANCES by: • Asano Taiko U.S. • Tupulaga Polynesian Dance Group, and • ECC Barkada	1:00 - 2:30 pm	Student Service Plaza
Tues, May 6	MANA Center Open House Join the MANA Center's Open House and check out what they have going on this semester! Meet the amazing MANA staff, learn about its work and experience its community. Learn more about the MANA Program here.	1:00 -3:00 pm	MANA Center (Comm 304)
Fri, May 9	Guided Tour of Little Tokyo and visit Go for Broke National Education Center Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to participate in this field trip to Little Tokyo! Meet us at the Go For Broke Monument at 11:00 AM for a Guided Tour of Little Tokyo, followed by a visit to the Go For Broke National Education Center at 12:30pm. Go For Broke National Education Center preserves the legacy of the Japanese American WWII veterans through in-person and virtual educational programming, exhibitions and historical collections. Students (with valid ID): $5 General Admission: $10 Seniors (62+ years): $5 Free Admission to Exhibition: • Children 5 and under • All veterans and active-duty military Questions? Contact Dr. Taka Tanaka [email protected] or Monica Delgado [email protected]	11:00 am - Little Tokyo Tour Starts Meet at the Go For Broke Monument 12:30 pm - Go For Broke National Education Center opens	Little Tokyo, Go For Broke Monument 355 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, California, 90012
Tues, May 13	Moana Sing Along Sing along with your favorite songs with on-screen lyrics as you watch the 2016 hit movie Moana. Set in the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific, the film tells the inspiring tale of a young girl named Moana who embarks on a daring journey to save her island and discover her true destiny. A MANA Center, Social Justice Center, Pride Center & GSA collaboration.	Film starts @ 2:30 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Tues, May 13	MANA Counseling Clinic MANA Counselors are available to assist students with identifying and understanding the pathway necessary to take in order to reach their academic goals.	10:00 - 2:00 pm	MANA Center (Comm 304)
Weds, May 14	Avatar The Last Airbender: Orientalism in Media Ethnic Studies Professor, Dr. Taka Tanaka, takes a closer look at Avatar: The Last Airbender to understand the concept of Orientalism as defined by Palestinian scholar Edward Said as an interpretation of Asian cultures by Westerners that is often objectifying, stereotyping, and prejudiced.	12:00 - 1:00 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Thurs, May 15	AANHPI Read In Join us for a very special Read In featuring Pasifika and/or Asian, Asian-American narratives, books and authors. A Social Justice Center & Humanities Department collaboration.	1:15 - 2:15 pm	In person Social Justice Center (Comm 204) OR join us on Zoom: Link: https://elcamino-edu.zoom.us/j/85426078507
Tues, May 20	Lei Making "Lunch & Learn" Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Lei Making. Lei making holds profound historical and cultural significance in Hawaiian and Polynesian societies, representing love, respect, and the "Aloha" spirit , with leis used in ceremonies, to honor deities, and to signify status. Participants will also have an opportunity to make leis of their own. Fiyehnesian Cuisine available for students (first come first serve and limited to supply). A Social Justice Center & MANA collaboration.	12:00 pm - 2:00 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Tues, May 27	Beyond the Read-Aloud: Designing and Publishing Your Children's Book Led by Analū Kame'eiāmoku Josephides Cruze, Faculty Librarian and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) storyteller, this workshop will delve into the art of creating impactful children's books. Drawing from his own cultural background and storytelling traditions, Mr. Cruze will share insights into crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Participants will have a chance to begin their own creative explorations with guidance from initial concept and design to the intricacies of publishing. Mr. Cruze will read from two of his own self-published children's books, "The Story of Mama and Pele," and "The Legends of the Three Puu." Both books will be available for free to the first 25 student attendees	1:00 - 2:30 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)
Thurs, May 29	AANHPI Talanoa As we wrap up AANHPI Heritage Month, the Social Justice Center in collaboration with the MANA Center invite all to participate in a Talanoa, a Pasifika term, meaning "talk" or "discussion" referring to a process of inclusive, participatory, and transparent dialogue that emphasizes sharing stories, building empathy, and making wise decisions for the collective good. This Talanoa will be have a "Paint & Sip" activity, giving participants an opportunity to paint culturally relevant pieces as they talk and sip lemonade.	12:00 - 2:00 pm	Social Justice Center (Comm 204)

Zoom Backgrounds

Celebrate with these Zoom virtual backgrounds (click to open, right-click the image and save to your computer).

Important to Note

It's important to note that while Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are celebrated during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, there are many diverse and unique cultural experiences to acknowledge. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders come from a wide range of countries and cultures, and their experiences in the United States are multifaceted and should not be considered monolithic.

History

The observance of Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month originated in 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution of Congress designating the first week of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed a bill that expanded the observance to May. The month-long celebration provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans in all areas of American society, including arts, literature, science, politics, and business. It also serves as a time to promote greater understanding and awareness of the diverse experiences and cultures of Asian Americans and Pasifika Americans.

Accommodations

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, email [email protected] as soon as possible, but no later than seven days prior to the event.