Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated throughout May, offering the SUNY Oswego community an opportunity to recognize the rich contributions and achievements of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in shaping the nation's history, culture and society.
The AAPI community is composed of over 50 distinct ethnic groups, including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Samoan, Cambodian, Uzbek and many others, each with its own unique history and traditions.
May was chosen for AAPI Heritage Month for two reasons: It marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States, a young fisherman named Nakahama Manjiro, who came to the United States on May 7, 1843. Additionally, May commemorates the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869, which was constructed with significant labor contributions from Chinese immigrants.
From Indigenous Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, whose wisdom and traditions continue to guide us, to immigrants and refugees who sought new opportunities, and pioneers who have shaped progress, the AAPI community's history is one of resilience, achievement and impact.
As part of our AAPI Heritage Month celebrations, SUNY Oswego is proud to present "Our Faculty" video spotlights, conducted by The Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice.
These video features highlight some of SUNY Oswego’s esteemed faculty members who are part of the AAPI diaspora, including Jed Locquiao of curriculum and instruction, Mamta Saxena of human development and Soma Mei Sheng Frazier of English and creative writing. The spotlights offer an in-depth look at their unique experiences, backgrounds, and valuable contributions to the university community. Be sure to check the videos on The Institute’s Instagram page (@oz_institute).
As we honor AAPI Heritage Month at SUNY Oswego, we celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and significant contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans. It is also a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by the AAPI community and strive for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
-- Submitted by the Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Transformative Practice