Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month 2023: All around Asia!

In recognition of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (APHM), St. John’s University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs has organized a multicampus celebration along with various departments and clubs from the Queens and Staten Island, NY campuses.

APHM is celebrated nationally in May. We invite you to join the St. John’s University community in the early celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage by attending events organized throughout the month of April. This month pays tribute to and honors the rich and diverse cultures, legacy, traditions, histories, and contributions made by Asian and Pacific Islander individuals and communities. 

This year, we honor the Asian and Pacific Islander community through our theme, All around Asia! We invite you to travel across Asia with us and experience Asian culture through food, games, art, fashion, and more.

To accommodate all in-person needs of our guests, we ask that attendees register for each event. 

Village Bazaar: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once!
Monday, April 3 | 1:50–3:15 p.m. 
D’Angelo Center Plaza (rain location: D’Angelo Center Living Room) | Queens Campus
Register

Join us for our very own version of a small outdoor Asian village filled with various authentic street foods and traditional games from all around the Asian and Pacific Islands. You can sample the cuisine, play traditional Asian games, and have a chance to win a special prize in a raffle!

Student Feedback Session with Rachel Pereira, Ed.D., J.D. 
Monday, April 17 | 2–3:15 p.m.
Inclusivity Resource Center, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall | Queens Campus
Register

The Office of Equity & Inclusion would like to learn how we can do better to support and empower members of the Asian and Pacific community and any member, regardless of identity. Rachel Pereira, Ed.D., J.D., Vice President of Equity and Inclusion will be present to listen and learn about your experience and needs. Let your voice be heard! Refreshments will be served. The session is open to all students.

Formerly a senior legal and policy advisor for EdCounsel of Nelson Mullins, LLC, Dr. Pereira has a multidisciplinary background and experience in the education and legal industries, having served as a teacher, school principal, prosecutor, legal counsel to educational institutions, and as an adjunct professor at three graduate schools.

API Festival: Hula through Asia
Thursday, April 20 | 1:50–3:15 p.m.
Campus Center Gym | Staten Island Campus
Register

Join us for a special festival filled with authentic local foods from East and South Asia, enjoy an arts and crafts project featuring Indian culture, get temporary artwork from a henna artist, and watch traditional Polynesian-Hula dancers (and have a chance to join in on the fun!).

Where East Meets South: River Runway Fashion Show
Thursday, April 20 | 5–7 p.m.
D’Angelo Center Ballroom, Queens Campus
Register

This event features a fashion show showcasing traditional Asian outfits, along with performances from St. John’s Asian student organizations and clubs. There will also be an open-mic session and a photo booth. Guests are encouraged to attend in traditional clothing; an award will be given to the “Best Dressed.” Refreshments will be served.

APHM Creatives Café: Arts across Asia
Thursday, April 27 | 1:50–3:15 p.m.
Sodano Coffee House, D’Angelo Center, Queens Campus
Register

Join us for an arts and crafts workshop that features crafts spanning from South to East Asia while sipping your favorite bubble tea. Take a moment to relax and “spill the tea” with your friends while learning a new hobby.