In partnership with the SMU Association of Asian and Pacific American Scholars and Allies (AAPASA), we encourage SMU students, faculty and staff to celebrate Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by learning more about the AAPI community. Here are a few ways to do so:
Read a book
Contemporary Asian America includes essays on Asian American history, the importance of ethnic communities, Asian ethnicities and identities, and more. The AAPASA particularly recommends the essay by Lisa Lowe that criticizes the simplification of so many ethnicities “Asian,” erasing the specificity of people’s cultural and ethnic heritage. The e-book is available through SMU Libraries.
Learn about Asian American contributions to the U.S.
Watch this short clip from the National Park Service that discusses how Chinese immigrants shaped Yosemite National Park.
Watch a movie
Minari tells the story of South Korean immigrants who move to an Arkansas farm during the 1980s in search of their own American Dream. It was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2021, and it’s available to stream through Digital Campus.
Research the AAPI experience
Explore the resources available through our new research guide on the AAPI experience. Featured sources include databases, scholarly publications, and books on Asian American/Pacific Islander society, history and culture.
Join us for an event at Fondren Library
During Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage month, Asian Council students want to take time to debunk many of the myths and stereotypes surrounding AAPIs and AAPI culture. They invite fellow SMU students, faculty and staff to “Ask an Asian.” Anyone with questions can reach out to Julie Tran (juliet@smu.edu) or Ellie Hood (ellieh@smu.edu).
- When: Tuesday, April 26, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Where: The Collaborative Commons area at Fondren Library (Starbucks area)
The AAPASA will also be hosting an event to review the progress of their research cluster, Asian Studies and Asian American Experiences, has made during its first year and the plan for the next year and most importantly to get to know each other. The event will be in-person at the DCII Suite in Gerald J. Ford Hall for Research and Innovation (first floor off of the main lobby) at 4:00 -5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 2nd. For more information, contact Dr. LaiYee Leong at lleong@smu.edu.
We’d love to see you at either or both of these events!
A special thanks to Dr. LaiYee Leong and Dr. Wookun Kim, members of the AAPASA Executive Committee, for their resource suggestions for this post, and their support of the AAPI community at SMU.