Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian Pacific Coalition (APC)
Taiwanese Student Association (TSA)
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! May is recognized as AAPI Heritage Month in America to celebrate those who identify as Asian or Pacific Islander. According to the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month website, the month of May was chosen to commemorate AAPI communities because it marks first Japanese to immigrate to the United States, on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 — a project largely built by Chinese immigrants. To explore AAPI clubs and organizations at UCLA and learn how they are observing AAPI Heritage Month, click the link below.
ASUCLA reached out to a handful of the Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations on campus. The following information was provided by those who have responded; however, this is not an exhaustive list of all Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations.
Asian Pacific Coalition (APC)
“Asian Pacific Coalition (APC) is a coalition of 19 AAPI organizations at UCLA rooted in community, history and political organizing,” shared Eriko Vong, APC’s Publicity and Outreach co-coordinator. “Some of our notable programming includes the APC Night Market and Asian Pacific Islander Graduation (APIG). We also have a yearly internship program where members can further engage with community building, event planning and mutual aid (applications open in the fall!).” Stay up-to-date with APC by following them on Instagram @apcucla.
Taiwanese Student Association (TSA)
“The Taiwanese Student Association (TSA), founded in 1988, is a cultural organization dedicated to celebrating and sharing Taiwanese heritage,” shared Mia Kuo, the club’s president. “Our events range from traditional holiday celebrations like Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival to fun socials and collaborations with other cultural organizations on campus. TSA strives to create a home away from home for those who miss Taiwan, and a vibrant space for anyone eager to learn more about its traditions and people. Everyone is welcome to join us!” Learn more about TSA by following them on Instagram @ucla.tsa.
The following are other AAPI clubs that were reached out to by ASUCLA, but have not responded at the time of publication.
CSSA@UCLA (Chinese Students and Scholars Association): CSSA@UCLA is a non-profit organization run by volunteer Chinese students and scholars at UCLA. Contact CSSA@UCLA at cssaucla.events@gmail.com.
Japan-America Language & Culture Club (JpAm): JpAm is an organization that offers a welcoming space, outside of academic settings, for Bruins to have cultural exchanges between Japanese and English speakers. Contact JpAm at jpamboardmembers@gmail.com.
Vietnamese Student Union at UCLA (VSU): VSU aims to be the voice for all Vietnamese students at UCLA, advocating for the wider Vietnamese community through educational, social, cultural and political initiatives. Contact VSU at vsubruins@gmail.com.
Pacific Islands Students Association (PISA): PISA strives to promote Pacific Islander awareness, culture, appreciation and more throughout the UCLA community. Contact TSA at uclapisa@gmail.com.
Taiwanese American Student Association (TASA): TASA’s mission is to spread Taiwanese awareness and culture throughout the UCLA community. Contact TASA at uclatasa@gmail.com.
To check out more AAPI student organizations, check out Asian and Asian Pacific Islander clubs by clicking the respective button below.
