APIHC 2021: Unlearning _____: Cultivating _____
Join the university community in celebrating the history and cultural expressions of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The 2021 Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration (APIHC) theme:
“ Unlearning _____: Cultivating ______” is intended to highlight the recent and ongoing advocacy work supporting the Asian Pacific Islander community.
Throughout the month, various organizations within the API community will be hosting events to share their cultures, histories, and lived experiences with the greater GW community. Through this openness, we hope to UNLEARN and overcome historically alienating, destructive systems and CULTIVATE inclusive communities through solidarity, intersectionality, coalition building, and healing together.
We welcome everyone to connect with the community on social media and the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) on Facebook (@GWMSSC) and Instagram (@gwmssc) for the latest updates about APIHC 2021. Explore the beauty and diversity of Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander cultures through a series of virtual programs, films, performances, dialogues, and traditional events. Stay tuned for opportunities to explore new experiences throughout April!
Comprised of an impassioned group of Asian and Pacific Islander student organization leaders, the APIHC 2021 committee is committed to sharing the full breadth of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures while acknowledging their many contributions throughout history.
Sponsored by: GWU Asian American Student Association (AASA), GWU Chinese American Student Association (CASA), Hawai’i Club, Japanese Cultural Association at GWU (JCA), Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. ~ Alpha Beta Chapter (ΚΦΛ), GWU Korean Cultural Organization (KCO), The Philippine Cultural Society (PCS), Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. ~ Pi Chapter (ΣΨΖ), GWU Taiwanese American Student Association (TASA), GW Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) and the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC)
The full calendar is available below.
APIHC 2021 KEYNOTE
Virtual
Friday, April 30th
6:00 PM EST
Join the APIHC 2021 planning committee in welcoming two cultural icons in the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, ARDEN CHO & OCEAN VUONG, to GW for a moderated discussion centering on our APIHC themes for this year! Conversation topics will span being AAPI in 2021, how the pandemic has influenced them, what they've been UNLEARNING in their own lives, what they're CULTIVATING, and more. This will be a space for the speakers to reflect on their experiences and there will be time for audience Q&A.
Want to find out who are our featured keynote speakers this year? Check out the MSSC’s Instagram (@gwmssc) for hints and speaker reveals throughout the week, and the APIHC 2021 website for the latest keynote event details!
THURSDAY, APRIL 15
Hula Basics with the Hawaiʻi Hula Company
Virtual
6:30 - 7:30 PM EST
Join us for a live 30 minute hula lesson with the professional hula dancers of the Hawai’i Hula Company! Live from the island of O’ahu, you will get a chance to see authentic hula dancers showcase one of the most beautiful expressions of Hawaiian culture and learn a few basic moves yourself! Hawai'i Club
FRIDAY, APRIL 16
Let’s Unpack That: Asian American Small Businesses
Virtual
6:00 PM EST
Join AASA for this year’s Let’s Unpack That, which features a panel of speakers. We will focus on the stories, origins, and experiences of Asian American small businesses. Our panel of speakers include: Jai Farswani, co-founder of the snack brand AshaPops and Astisya & Miki from the Made in Chinatown branch of Welcome to Chinatown. AASA - Asian American Student Association
In tandem with this event, we have purchased items from Asian American small business which we have curated into baskets to raffle off. 20% of the proceeds from the raffle will go Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) @Advancingjustice_aajc
Please order your raffle here.
THURSDAY, APRIL 22
Cloud Convos: Community Organizing 101
Virtual
8:00 PM EST
The Asian American Student Association presents another installment of our Cloud Conversation series!
Cloud Convos are an informal, recurring virtual space for our community to relax, feel cared for and care for others, and discuss topics that weigh on our hearts as Asian Americans. Cloud Convos will engage in self-care activities to acknowledge the exhausting conditions we are living in and talk about issues we don't often talk about in other orgs.
Our Organizing 101 space this month is designed for all AAPI folks already engaging in or wanting to know more about how to community organize against Anti-Blackness. Whether you’re a seasoned org leader or interested in learning about how to get involved, come with your thoughts, questions, tips, frustrations, musings, challenges, and an open heart! AASA - Asian American Student Association
Ultimate Game Night
Virtual
11:00 PM EST
Throughout history and now, Taiwan and China remain as a controversial East Asian Topic with the geopolitical issues dividing diasporic populations today. Despite the many differences both countries have, there are also lots of similarities such as culture, food, language, and most of all, games! With this event, we hope to Unlearn Division and Cultive Unity to signify that albeit different, we are stronger together. The end of the semester and finals time are stressful times, so if you’re up late studying and need a break or are on the other side of the world and want to make some new friends, please swing on by! Taiwanese American Student Association & Chinese American Student Association
FRIDAY, APRIL 23
Unite the Divide
Virtual
8:00 - 9:30 PM EST
Join the Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. for a discussion on uniting the divide and becoming allies! With our panel, join the discussion on anti-Black and anti-Asian sentiments in respective communities and how Black and Asian Americans should/can be allies. It’ll be a safe space for all of us to respectfully discuss, share, and learn. Stay up to date by following us on our Instagram @gwukappas! KPL - Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Please click this hyperlink to join the Zoom call.
SUNDAY, APRIL 25
Tandaan XXI: Walk of Fame
Virtual
**Party watch time will be updated closer to the event!**
This year's show will focus on two main characters in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles: a struggling actor whose dream is to make it big and a jaded dance captain who has been in the business for many years. The show will follow their journeys as they navigate their professions and try to expand Asian representation in the media.
Due to the pandemic, the entire show will be held virtually. The scenes, as well as the dances, will be recorded via zoom, and in April, we will be hosting a watch party! PCS - The Philippine Cultural Society
Stay updated by following our Facebook event page!
FRIDAY, APRIL 30
APIHC 2021 KEYNOTE
Virtual
6:00 PM EST
Join the APIHC 2021 planning committee in welcoming two cultural icons in the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to GW for a moderated discussion centering on our APIHC themes for this year! Conversation topics will span being AAPI in 2021, how the pandemic has influenced their life, what they've been UNLEARNING in their own lives, what they're CULTIVATING, and more. This will be a space for the speakers to reflect on their experiences and there will be time for audience Q&A.
Want to find out who are our featured keynote speakers this year? Check out the MSSC’s Instagram (@gwmssc) for hints and speaker reveals throughout the week, and the APIHC 2021 website for the latest keynote event details!
