April is a month of pride and awareness for both our Arab and Asian/Pacific Islander American community members who are celebrating their respective heritage months. Check out some of the amazing events put on by students and staff to celebrate these cultures in our community!
Nationally, Arab Heritage month is celebrated in April. On campus, celebrations kicked off in mid-February with the Arab Xpressions Show, an annual event hosted by the Arab Students Association that featured a diversity of Arab dances, music, clothing, and performances. Events and exhibits on campus that showcase Arab culture continue through mid-April. Between March 5th and April 13th, the Hatcher Graduate Library displayed a Handwritten Heritage exhibit that featured a variety of Arabic writings and works that are a part of the Islamic Manuscripts Collection. Student groups and academic departments across campus also host a variety of celebrations, discussions, and workshops honoring Arab culture. Check out MESA’s Arab Heritage Month events to learn more about upcoming Arab Heritage events.
Although Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month is nationally celebrated in May, MESA and the United Asian American Student Organizations recognize it between March and April. Yoni KI Baat, a group committed to educating our campus around issues pertaining to South Asian women and all women of color, hosted their 11th annual Spring monologue show with this year’s focus being on “Resistance” and “the many ways that Women of Color continue to thrive and exist as people with intersecting and complicated identities.” The Hindu Students Council celebrated Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, on Palmer Field. With a Bollywood music celebration, attendees smeared each other with lots of colorful powders in celebration of peace, love, and togetherness. Learn about more upcoming Asian/Pacific Islander heritage events from MESA.
The Office of Multi-Ethnic Affairs (MESA) and dozens of students organized and developed an array of spring events to celebrate these cultures. These educational and community oriented programs honor and celebrate the important contributions and traditions of both the Arab and Asian/Pacific Islander American communities.
Contributed by Gabe Colman and Yolanda Marti, Expect Respect Program Assistants