Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month-Yes, We’re Celebrating Early! | April 2025
“From Hong Kong to Honeoye Falls.” Take a trip to meet the owner of a very special bookstore in our area! It’s just one of many events taking place as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The official start date is May 1st, but we’re celebrating in April since the semester will be over soon. This is a time to focus and reflect on the history, culture and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in America. Take a look at what’s happening at RIT starting this Friday!
AAPI Heritage Month Kickoff- Diverse Cultures, Diverse Identities
Friday, April 4, 2025 | 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Fireside Lounge, SAU
Kick off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with an exploration of the diverse cultures and identities that fall under this expansive umbrella. Test your knowledge of famous AAPI figures, showcase your creativity with an identity mapping craft activity, and get to know some of RIT's diverse student clubs. Of course, no celebration is complete without cultural performances and some favorite Asian bites! Join us to learn and celebrate.
Where You Belong: Embracing Asian American Identity and Mental Health
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm | 1829 Room, SAU
Asian Americans are more than a model minority: they have a wide array of different immigration journeys, cultural traditions, socioeconomic statuses, languages, and success stories. An often-untold part of the Asian American story is the struggle to embrace their own identity. What does it mean to be Asian American? What does it mean to be Asian American and queer, or Asian American and disabled, or to face struggles with mental health? How do we talk about it in the face of cultural stigma or societal expectations? How do we find community and embrace our personal journeys and identities?
A part of RIT’s AAPI Heritage Month. Co-sponsored by alpha Kappa Delta Phi, Division of Diversity and Inclusion, College of Science, Counseling and Psychological Services, Lambda Phi Epsilon, and Student Affairs.
For the Culture Night x Night Market
Saturday, April 12, 2025 4-10pm, SAU | 4-6pm tabling, 6-8pm performances in Ingle, 8-10pm banquet
This is educational and entertaining! Join the Asian Culture Society and Unity House for an evening of food and fun! In addition to a banquet, there will be opportunities to learn more about Asian American Pacific Islander historic figures and watch some exciting performances by NOVA Dance Crew, Taekwondo Club, Zindagi, Yishu Club and more!
AAPI Heritage Month Mixer
Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Gracie’s
Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in April with a mixer for RIT students, staff, faculty, and alumni! Join us at Gracie's to gather together over food and to build community and solidarity. All are welcome but we especially encourage those of Asian, Asian American, Desi, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander backgrounds to attend. Come celebrate, share your experiences, learn from each other, and break bread.
The first 60 to register will have their meals paid for by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.
Into the ROC: Bleak House Books
Sunday, April 27, 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm | Off-Campus to Honeoye Falls (Shuttle Provided)
What is the role of independent bookstores in civil discourse? What role do bookstores play in forming community or in political dissidence? Learn about the personal story behind Bleak House Books, whose owner Albert Wan originally founded the bookstore in Hong Kong in 2017 before the change in political climate in the city led the family to move to Honeoye Falls in Western New York in 2022.
Amid today’s current political environment, it can be illuminating to remember those who have been there before, and critical to hear their stories and learn about the ways we can participate in building the community – and the world – that we want to see.
Join Into the ROC for a visit to Bleak House Books in Honeoye Falls as part of AAPI Heritage Month. Transportation provided. We’ll meet at the RIT Sentinel and the bus will leave promptly at 2:00PM.
Tea Time: Teas Across Asia with Global Union
Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 12:00 - 2:00 pm| 1829 Room, SAU
Join Global Union and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion for a Reading Day tea break. Learn about the teas across Asia, including the health benefits and cultural traditions, and sample different versions as you gear up for finals.