Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at Lafayette

By Maddie Marriott ’24

In April, Lafayette and the Office of Intercultural Development (OID) will honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a series of events and celebrations across campus. 

The month has been celebrated nationally since 1992 and honors the contributions and legacy of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians across the country. This year’s theme is “Anthems: Our Pride and Power,” which celebrates the ways that diverse forms of storytelling have been used to express the AAPI experience.

Though celebrated nationally in May, events will take place on campus throughout April to allow for a full month of celebrations. 

“Our AAPI month celebration reflects the richness and global depth of our campus community,” says Kimberly Weatherly, executive director of OID. “I always look forward to our cultural and identity heritage month programs, as they highlight the powerful contributions of our diverse student body and affirm that belonging at Lafayette is both lived and celebrated.”

“What makes AAPI Month especially meaningful is the collaboration across a vast diaspora, bringing together Asian American students and international students representing countries across Asia and the Indian subcontinent,” Weatherly continues. “That intersection of experience, culture, and tradition broadens our collective understanding and strengthens our shared community.”

“It’s important for students to see the cultures of different countries come together in one big event like the Night Market. You see people from all different social groups enjoy themselves, and it’s something that represents everyone. Lafayette students should recognize the importance of these cultures regardless of their background.” Danny Lyu ’28, ACA treasurer | Photo by JaQuan Alston

The programming is a collaborative effort between OID and the Asian Cultural Association (ACA) and is meant to reflect the diversity of heritage and experience within the AAPI community. 

The month’s events will kick off with a faculty panel about the recent rise in Asian culture in mainstream media on April 8. Later events include a celebration of Sangkran, or Cambodian New Year, April 10, dumpling making April 13, Bollywood movie night April 17, a celebration of Holi April 21, and a Night Market with street food, games, and music May 1. 

“AAPI Month is especially important to me because it allows me to stay connected to my roots while being away from home. Celebrating these traditions helps me better understand my own identity. I also think it is important to have these events at Lafayette because many students, like me, did not grow up fully immersed in their culture. These events create a sense of belonging and offer a space where students can feel at home. For students who did grow up with their culture, this helps them feel like home.” Angela Lyu ’28, ACA vice president | Photo by JaQuan Alston

“I am especially looking forward to the dumpling-making event,” says Angela Lyu ’28, ACA vice president. “It is a chance to share something from my culture that I care deeply about with the campus community. For me, dumplings represent more than just food; they hold personal meaning and memories.”

Members of ACA hope all students will participate in the events. 

“I come from an Indian background and was surrounded by the many traditions, cultures, and languages tied to community and family. Being a part of ACA has allowed me to share these experiences while also learning about other cultures that make up the Asian community. These celebrations are important for me because I get to share some parts of my culture with the entire Lafayette community while still making it feel like home. It’s a way to ensure that AAPI students are seen and appreciated while also engaging in meaningful conversations about identity and issues that impact our communities. Beyond our campus, these celebrations help challenge stereotypes and promote cultural appreciation.” Sneha Khatuwala ’27, ACA president | Photo by JaQuan Alston

“I think it’s important for all students to participate because cultural events are a great way to learn about perspectives beyond your own, build connections across communities, and celebrate diversity,” says Sneha Khatuwala ’27, ACA president. 

“Through cultural showcases, dialogue, food, and storytelling, we are invited not only to celebrate traditions but also to learn from one another,” Weatherly adds. “AAPI Month reminds us that inclusion is not simply a value we name; it is something we practice together.”