Redefining and strengthening community.
In the past few years, there has been an unprecedented increase in visibility for Asians. People of the Asian diaspora in every industry are surfacing as pioneers for future generations. As they continually redefine their communities through community engagement, cultural vivaciousness, and political participation, we are able to find comfort in a vibrant and limitless community.
As members of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi-American (APID/A) community, our history, culture, and experiences have been distorted, appropriated, and manipulated. It is through activism, cultural explorations, and a newfound sense of self that we are finding our voice. Together, we are embarking on a journey that honors our cultures and catalyzes new traditions.
Asian Heritage Month at New York University, founded in 1989, is dedicated to celebrating all of the beauty, bravery, and soul of the Asian community. Without the contributions of our predecessors, we would not be standing where we are today; we are humbled by the achievements they had to fight for, and we look forward to what future generations have to bring to the table.
We hope to encourage our fellow community members to take pride in their roots and discover their own potential to thrive. We also want to champion diversity among and promote collaboration within the Asian diaspora. Through our work, we at Asian Heritage Month support students, businesses, performers, activists and leaders in our communities. We call on you to join and support us in our cause because we believe that the best way to move forward is by working together.
—
Dara Yen & Jinny Hwang
Co-Presidents of 2019-2020