APIDA Heritage Month

What is APIDA Heritage Month?

In honor of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, the Asian & Asian American Center  collaborates with academic departments, Cornell Health, student organizations, Cornell Dining and other campus partners to host a series of events in April.

Celebrated nationally in May, APIDA Heritage Month honors Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans who have enriched U.S. history and are key to its future success. The month consists of programs and events that educate all members of the Cornell University community about the histories, cultural diversity, contributions, and often underreported challenges of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans. 

APIDA Heritage Month 2026:

Submit your event here to get on the APIDA Heritage Month calendar!

Below is a list of events that campus community members are invited to participate in. The list is not exhaustive and new events will be added as they are submitted.
 

Schedule:

March 17: The Illegally Well Graphic Novel and Un-planner: On Collaboration, Undocumented Temporality, and Ethno-Graphic Storytelling
Undocumented Thai American artist and activist Bo Thai is wary of narratives that celebrate undocumented resilience. In this talk, Professor Elizabeth Rubio discusses how that critique emerged through a decade of collaboration with Bo, culminating in the co-authorship of a graphic novel that uses speculative fiction to explore how undocumented status and immigrant justice activism shape relationships to time.

March 21: Yamatai - Public Taiko Workshop
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to play taiko drums? Come to Yamatai's public taiko workshop to find out! *NO EXPERIENCE OR EQUIPMENT NECESSARY* Yamatai is a student-led taiko (Japanese drumming) group dedicated to blending traditional and contemporary elements of the art into high-energy performances. 

March 23: Boba Talks: Dating Across Cultures
Boba Talks are held once a semester and offer an informal setting for discussion of a student-selected topic in the Asian and Asian American community. Past topics have been APIDA in the arts, LGBTQ+ experiences, and navigating familial expectations. Boba tea is served. Hosted by the Asian American Studies Program and the Asian and Asian American Center.

April 13: Career Drop‑Ins: Ask Us Anything!
In honor of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month, Cornell Career Services is offering drop-in 1-on-1 sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you have a quick question or want your resume or cover letter reviewed, we've got you covered! All students are welcome.

April 17: AASP Community Breakfast - no link, just show up!
Join Cornell Asian American Studies Program for their Community Breakfast, the guaranteed best way to connect with Asian American Studies students, staff, and faculty over some cultural comfort food with a sociopolitical history. Spam, marinated tofu, scrambled eggs, rice, chai, and coffee will be served, courtesy of Osaka-Ya Catering. Free and open to all!

April 17: Asian Game Night
Learn and practice Mahjong, a game popularized by films such as Crazy Rich Asians and played widely in countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Snacks will be provided.

April 18: Southeast Asian New Year Celebration
Details coming soon

April 24: 2026 APIDA Gala & Student Award Ceremony
More details coming soon

April 26: CEME Annual Concert 2026: Echoes Across Time
Cornell Eastern Music Ensemble will sound echoes across time, weaving ancient melodies and modern voices into one living, resonant story. Join and journey through the Impression of Chinese Music!

May 1: Tarana Spring Showcase
Tarana A Cappella will be holding their Spring Semester Showcase to display their music from the past academic year!

Past events:

2025: Check out this photo essay about the 2025 APIDA Heritage Month!
Asian and Asian American Center celebrates 15-year anniversary and APIDA Heritage Month