APIDA Heritage Month

Upcoming Events
Cultural Celebration Series Social
Tuesday, April 4, Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Campus Seal
Please join the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion to learn more about Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and connect on-campus resources. The Cultural Celebration Series is an event series designed to celebrate cultural heritage months.
Rain location: Armstrong Student Center Atrium
Sponsored By: The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Past Events

Standing in Solidarity: Candlelight Vigil
Saturday, April 3, 6:30pm
Asian American Association will be gathering at the SEAL on April 3rd from 6:30-7:30pm to mourn and honor the lives of the shooting victims. Bring candles, poems/speeches, and pictures of the victims (if you wish). Observe social distancing and mask regulations.

Stop the Hate: Mobilizing against Anti-Asian Racism and Violence
Wednesday, April 7, 6:00 pm
What is behind the dramatic rise in anti-Asian hate crimes? What are some of the historical roots of anti-Asian racism and violence in the US? How is the AAPI struggle against racism and violence connected to other struggles for racial justice? How might we collectively mobilize against racist violence?
Panelists
- Dr. Katherine S. Cho
- Ms. Hannah Stohry, doctoral student
- Dr. Denise Taliaferro Baszile

Miami University Sikh Student Association Candlelight Vigil
Thursday, April 22, 7:30 pm
Location: The Seal outside of Roudebush Hall
We mourn the lives lost in Indianapolis.
We carry their families, and the Sikh, Sikh-American, and
South Asian community in our Ardaas.
On April 15, 2021, a mass shooting occurred at a FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, during which eight people were killed and several others injured. About 90% of workers at the facility are members of the local Indianapolis Sikh-American community. Although the motive is not confirmed at this time, Sikh American civil rights organizations and the Indianapolis Sikh community are imploring elected officials to ensure that this shooting is not simply dismissed by the media or law enforcement and acknowledge what it is -- a deliberate act intended to inflict the most harm against diverse Americans to investigate anti-Asian/South Asian/Sikh bias. This tragic event occurred during the week of Vaisakhi, one of the most important Sikh holidays. This past weekend was one where many members of our very own AAA-FSA and MU Sikh Student Association in the Miami University community marked an otherwise joyous Holiday weekend, navigating the pain of this tragedy. MU SSA is holding space for all in our Miami Community to show solidarity and support this vigil honoring the memory of the victims this Thursday at 7:30 PM at the seal (by Roudebush Hall): Amarjeet Johal (66), Jaswinder Singh (70), Amarjeet Sekhon (49), Jaswinder Kaur (50), Samaria Blackwell (19), John Weisert (74), Karli Smith (19), Matthew Alexander (32).
Sponsored by: Miami University Sikh Student Association

Hawaiian Culture Presentation
Thursday, April 22, 7-8:30 pm
Presenter
Presented by: Princess Ku'ulei Silva Johnson, Kuma Hula (Hula Master)
Free online talk on the History and Traditions of Hawai'i with Hands-On Hula instruction. Special Introduction by King Edmund K. Paki-Silva, Jr.
Sponsored by: Regional Campuses Global Programs

FUSION
Saturday, April 24, 3:00-5:00 pm
Fusion is AAA's annual performance-based event held in the spring semester! Members of AAA perform dances and emcee through skits. This year Fusion will take place online and will be available for streaming.
All Are Welcome to Attend
Presented by: Asian American Association

Exploring Gender Justice and Human Rights in Punjab
Sunday, April 25, 6:00 pm
View Details and Register for Event
Presenter
Mallika Kaur, JD
Mallika will speak about the inspirations and aspirations of doing gender justice work within and for the Sikh community. She will also discuss her book focused on human rights defenders of Punjab who persisted during the armed conflict years.
Sponsored by: The Interfaith Center at Miami University

Dinner at Western Dining Commons
Wednesday, April 28, 4:30-8pm
In honor of Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American Heritage Month, a special menu planned by the Miami University Indian Student Association, Sikh Student Association, and Asian American Association will be served at the International Station at Western Dining Commons for Dinner on April 28, 2021. All meals will be served to-go.
Presented by: Miami University Indian Student Association, Sikh Student Association, and Asian American Association in partnership with Campus Services

Perceptions and Attitudes toward Accents among International Faculty, Staff, and Students
Friday, April 30, noon-1 pm
This panel discussion aims to explore the socio-cultural circumstances relevant to accentedness of speech, and attitudes towards accented speech and linguistic variation in the university setting. The discussion will begin by uncovering some common linguistic myths and misconceptions about accents from the perspective of faculty and staff at Miami University. The panelists will then share their stories and experiences with accent perceptions and attitudes. The examples of accents will include foreign accents by speakers of English as an Additional Language and varieties of English. The discussion will involve on-the-spot interaction through an exchange of viewpoints or in response to questions from the audience. By the end of the panel, the participants will have a clear understanding of linguistic and social meaning of an accent and its significance in the university setting.
Panelists
- Zeynep Aydogdu
- Ebru Duffield
- Meng Qu
- Yuenan Jin Rodriguez
- Galina Shleykina
Facilitator: Eun Chong Yang
Sponsored by: International Faculty and Staff Association at Miami University
Discussing the Intersection of Career and Heritage

Friday, May 5, 2 pm
Instagram Live | join us @MiamiOHCareers
Join the conversation featuring April Robles, Director of Operations & Communication and Simran Kaur-Colbert, Special Assistant to the VP of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion on Instagram Live May 5, 2021 at 2pm EST by following @MiamiOHCareers.

Asian International Student and Asian American Students’ Experiences at Miami
Thursday, May 20, 1-2 pm
What is it like to be part of the Asian community during a rising wave of anti-Asian rhetoric? Global Initiatives and International Student and Scholar Services invite you to a special panel discussion, "Asian International Student and Asian American Students’ Experiences at Miami University." This panel discussion features Asian international students from China and Vietnam, as well as Asian American students. Participants will discuss how their experiences differ from each other and what we can do to better support them.
Student Panelists
- Angel Luo
- Michelle Miao
- Isabella Corder
- Lam Ha
Moderator: Dr. Katherine S. Cho
Sponsored by: Global Initiatives ISSS

How to Pronounce Chinese Names
Friday, May 21, 1-2 pm
Did you know the "q" in a Chinese name is actually pronounced like "ch"? Making an effort to pronounce Chinese names correctly shows respect for their culture and creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Miami. At this workshop, attendees will learn a few simple tips and try out some practical tools as they gain more confidence when pronouncing Chinese names.
Presenter
Yuenan Jin Rodriguez
Sponsored by: Global Initiatives ISSS