Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
List of Events
Beyond Words: How Arabic Language Shapes Culture and Mind
Date: April 13, 2026
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Virtual on Google Meet with registration.
Arab Americans Beyond Invisibility and Stereotypes with Dr. Nadine Naber
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, M605
Join us to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with a keynote address by acclaimed author and scholar, Dr. Nadine Naber. Dr. Naber is a UIC Professor and UN expert recognized for her work in liberation movements for diverse communities. The event will feature a Q&A session, a henna artist creating beautiful designs, and a complimentary lunch immediately following the presentation. Register now.
Dabkah Dancing Demo and Workshop
Date: April 14 and April 16, 2026
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Dabkah is a traditional Levantine folk line dance characterized by synchronized stomping, hopping, and holding hands or shoulders. Originating from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq, it symbolizes community and resilience. It is performed at weddings, festivals, and celebrations.
Register to see all dates and campus locations.
Henna and Chai
Date: April 14, April 21, and April 23, 2026
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a plant-based dye used for over 5,000 years to create temporary tattoos on the skin, hair, and nails. In Muslim cultures, it symbolizes "barakah" (blessings), good luck, and prosperity, and is traditionally applied during joyous celebrations such as weddings and Eid. Register to see all dates and campus locations.
Origami with the Asian Student Association
Date: April 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, T211-T213
Learn how to make origami.
Study Session
Date: April 30, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, S Lounge, 3rd Floor
Study session with the Asian Student Association.
Flavors, Fabrics, and Facts: AAPI Month Edition
Date: May 6, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, S Lounge, 3rd Floor
The Asian Affinity Group and Asian Student Association invite you to enjoy or participate in a fashion runway show to represent cultural/heritage attire and accessories in celebration of AAPI Month in May. Register by April 29 to model and walk the fashion show runway.
Hmong 50th Anniversary Milwaukee PBS Screening
Date: tbd
Time: tbd
Location: Downtown Milwaukee Campus, room tbd
Learn more about how Hmong Americans shaped United States history in the compelling documentary produced by Milwaukee PBS. More information to follow soon.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an annual celebration in May that recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It honors the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and achievements of AAPI communities, which include people from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The month was officially designated in 1992, building on earlier efforts to recognize AAPI contributions. May was chosen to commemorate two historical events:
- May 7, 1843 – The arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the U.S.
- May 10, 1869 – The completion of the transcontinental railroad, largely built by Chinese laborers.
Celebrations often include cultural performances, educational events, film screenings, panel discussions, and community gatherings. Since May is a busy time for colleges with finals and graduations, some institutions extend their celebrations from April 1st to May 16th to allow for greater participation.