Q&A: UofL emphasizes ‘creativity in identity’ during AAPI Heritage Week

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated nationally in May, but the University of Louisville joins other universities across the country in celebrating each April to allow the entire campus to join the events.

Louisville chef Edward Lee kicked off this year’s Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Week at the University of Louisville, which also features a student gala, art workshops and lectures.

UofL News caught up with Jianhua (Andrew) Zhao, the president of UofL’s Asian, Asian American Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association (AAPI FSA) and an associate professor of anthropology, to learn more about this year’s AAPI Heritage Week.

UofL News: Can you tell us about the mission of the Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association and its history at UofL?  

Zhao: The vision of the AAPI FSA is to build community, promote diversity, and champion action and change for the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations on campus. The AAPI FSA is an employee resource group (ERG) that was established in 2021, in the aftermath of the Atlanta spa shootings and surging anti-Asian hate. We initially started the group to offer a safe space for AAPI folks to speak their minds. Over time, we expanded our vision and purpose. 

UofL News: What is the significance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Week, both within the UofL community and nationally?

Zhao: Nationally, AAPI heritage is celebrated in the month of May. At UofL, along with some other higher education institutions in the U.S., the AAPI FSA have dedicated the second week of April to recognizing the contributions of Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. 

UofL News: What are some key aspects of Asian American and Pacific Islander culture and heritage that you hope to highlight or explore during AAPI Heritage Week?

Zhao: This is the third year for celebrating the AAPI Heritage Week. The first year, we focused on the theme of the “invisible minority.” Last year, we focused on the historical injustices toward and contributions of the AAPI community. This year's AAPI Heritage Week seeks to highlight the stories of our community through artistic expression. Art has long served as a way of preserving traditions, building community, and demonstrating resistance. From Chef Edward Lee's speech about his culinary experience, to UofL student organizations hosting dance workshops, we hope to emphasize the importance of creativity in identity. 

UofL News: How does the AAPI FSA collaborate with other organizations or initiatives on campus? 

Zhao: We collaborate with AAPI student RSOs, other ERGs, the Office of Institutional Equity, the Office of Community Engagement, Commission on Diversity and Racial Equity (CODRE), the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine, UofL Libraries, the University of Louisville Athletic Association, Center for Asian Democracy, and the Asian Studies Program, in AAPI related programs and initiatives to help create a vibrant and inclusive campus culture. We also collaborate with community partners, including the Asia Institute-Crane House and the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and southern Indiana. 

UofL News: What message would you like to convey to the UofL community regarding the importance of celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Week? 

Zhao: Through AAPI Heritage Week, we are hoping to foster community and a sense of belonging for AAPI identifying individuals, increase visibility and awareness of the AAPI community, and celebrate the rich heritage, cultures, and contributions of the AAPI community.

UofL News: How can students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds engage with and learn from the events and activities organized during AAPI Heritage Week?

Zhao: Go to our events, participate in the activities, try some different foods, and have an in-depth conversation with someone of a different background from you. Anyone who is interested in the AAPI FSA can join us here, and please consider supporting our future programming with a gift. 

To learn more this year’s AAPI Heritage Week celebrations, which includes lectures, dance and art workshops and student galas, click here. All events are free and open to the public.

View pictures from Flickr of the 2024 AAPI Heritage Week keynote event.