MSU Kicks Off APIDA Heritage Month with Vibrant Festivities and Dialogues

Diverse Events Highlight APIDA Heritage Month at Michigan State University

Michigan State University proudly recognizes Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, celebrating the diverse and vibrant identities, histories, and cultures within the APIDA community. While the national observance is typically held in May, MSU strategically schedules its celebrations from March 14 to April 15 to ensure active student engagement on campus. The festivities begin with the colourful and joyful celebration of Holi, which combines cultural reflection, meaningful discussions, and shared experiences over traditional cuisine. This initiative not only underscores the importance of embracing diverse identities but also fosters inclusivity and unity through dialogue and celebration.

To further honour APIDA Heritage Month, MSU has announced an exciting lineup of events:

• On March 13, the Japanese Student Association hosted Needle Felting: Pokémon Edition, where participants learned needle felting by creating Pokémon plushies.
• The celebrations officially kicked off on March 14 with the APIDA/A Heritage Month Kickoff & Holi Celebration at the Multicultural Center. The event featured a panel discussion on APIDA/A identities, followed by a dinner and a colourful Holi celebration.
• On March 15, student organizations gathered at the IM East Field for the vibrant Holi: Festival of Colors. That evening, the Chinese-American Student Coalition hosted the Lunar New Year Banquet, themed around the "Legend of the White Snake," featuring performances and delicious food.
• The Clay Date and Bánh Mì Fundraiser took place on March 18, offering attendees a creative night with clay and an opportunity to enjoy Bánh Mì sandwiches, courtesy of the Vietnamese Student Association.
• On March 21, two unique events were organized. The Asian Studies Center presented Video Games for Learning Japanese, and exploring language learning through gaming, while Chef’s Table: Green Dynasty, hosted by Eat at State, delighted participants with plant-based Vietnamese cuisine.
• March 22 saw the Pilipino American Student Society hosting “Halo Halo” Philippine Culture Night, celebrating Filipino culture with food and performances.
• On March 24, a lecture titled The Politics of Historical Writing on the Vietnam War by Peter Zinoman delved into the historiography of the Vietnam War.
• From March 28-29, the APA Studies 2025 Symposium focused on the theme of "Resilience, Coalitions & Solidarities," offering panels and keynote speeches.
• The Vietnamese Student Association celebrated Vietnamese heritage through food and performances at the “In the Limelight” Culture Show on March 29.
• On March 31, the documentary “Hot Stuff: Exposing Indonesia’s Geothermal Dreams” highlighted Indonesia's renewable energy efforts.
• The celebration continued into April with the “Around the World” Prom Event on April 4, featuring music and dancing hosted by various Asian student organizations.
• Finally, from April 11-13, MSU welcomed the MCASA Spring 2025 Conference, organized by the Midwest Chinese American Student Association.

In addition, MSU will host the AIFIS x MSU Conference on Indonesian Studies in June. For more details or to add events to the calendar, interested individuals can contact sileriog@msu.edu. MSU also provides several resources for the APIDA community, including APASO and the Asian Pacific American Studies program. Together, these events showcase MSU's commitment to celebrating and supporting the APIDA community while fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding.

Editor's Note:

Michigan State University’s celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month is a testament to the university’s commitment to honouring the diverse identities, histories, and cultures within the APIDA community. Spanning from March 14 to April 15, this year’s celebrations include a dynamic blend of cultural events, educational panels, and community-building activities designed to engage students, faculty, and staff. By scheduling the observance during the academic year, MSU ensures that students have the opportunity to actively participate and reflect on the significance of APIDA identities, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment on campus. Throughout this month, MSU highlights the rich cultural traditions of the APIDA community through events like the Holi Festival of Colors, the Lunar New Year Banquet, and a variety of educational talks and cultural showcases. These events not only provide students with a platform to celebrate their heritage but also invite the broader campus community to engage with diverse cultures in meaningful ways.

Skoobuzz believes that with offerings ranging from culinary experiences to academic symposia, MSU continues to create spaces where cultural understanding thrives, making this celebration a key component of the university’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and dialogue.