Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month, celebrated every May, honors the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of people with roots in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. This includes countries and regions like China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tonga, and many more. It’s a time to celebrate centuries of storytelling, migration, resilience, and cultural pride.

API communities have shaped every part of American life—from cuisine and music to science, literature, and social justice movements. At Western, API Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the lived experiences of our students, faculty, and staff, while also educating our broader campus community through vibrant, student-led events.

Each year, we celebrate with cultural showcases, shared meals, and our annual Luau—a joyful evening of music, dance, and island-inspired food that brings the Western community together to honor tradition and build connection.

How Can I Support?

Learn about the diverse cultures that make up the API umbrella. Attend events with curiosity and respect. Support API-owned businesses and artists. Read stories by API authors. Most importantly, make space for API voices to be heard, valued, and celebrated—not just this month, but all year long.