Asian & Pacific Islander Identity Development Resources

Food For Thought is a monthly community-building event open to all students. This initiative fosters connections among Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students while welcoming participation from the broader campus community. During each gathering, students engage in meaningful conversations and brief presentations on different cultures while enjoying provided food and snacks.

Centered around the theme “A Cup of Culture,” the event encourages students to explore new foods, share personal cultural experiences, and learn from one another, promoting diversity education and cross-cultural understanding on campus.

Community Connections is open to all students and especially encourages participation from Asian and Pacific Islander students. Through this program, students can sign up to connect with peers who share similar ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

The Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education (CREDE) facilitates and schedules these meetups, providing an opportunity for meaningful connections. For students without a meal plan, lunch or coffee will be provided. This initiative fosters a supportive network, promotes cultural exchange, and strengthens community building on campus.

This culminating event of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates student success and recognizes the contributions and achievements of the API community at Elon. As part of the celebration, graduating seniors who have engaged with or identify with Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and traditions will be honored with a stole, symbolizing their accomplishments and cultural heritage. This event welcomes the entire university community to participate in recognition, reflection, and celebration.

North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes and home to many universities and the renowned Research Triangle, boasts a robust economy driven by sectors such as technology, finance, and education in cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham. The vibrant Asian population, comprising individuals of Cambodian, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino descent, significantly contributes to the state’s cultural and economic fabric. They actively engage in cultural events and organizations, fostering a rich multicultural environment. Numerous organizations also provide essential support and resources to help the Asian community thrive.

North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to supporting equity and justice for all by fostering community among Asian Americans and allies in North Carolina through civic engagement, leadership development, grassroots mobilization, and political participation.

Asian American Justice + Innovation Lab (AAJIL, pronounced “agile”) is a community racial justice incubator that offers free online community training and workshops around racial justice education.

The Cambodian Cultural Center (CCC) of NC works to build our communities across North Carolina, together. They aim to create a nurturing space for young people to grow, develop their potential, and become the next generation of leaders. The CCC mentors and develops youths through culturally appropriate programs and classes such as traditional arts, classical dancing, and Khmer language & literacy.

The Triangle Area Chinese American Society (TACAS) is a non-political, non-profit organization. Founded on September 22, 1979, TACAS received its tax-exempt status in May 1983. Over the past thirty years, the organization has grown and matured. The mission of TACAS is to foster Chinese-American cultural exchange, promote Chinese language and cultural education, and serve the community.

The Korean Language & Culture Exchange is a dynamic organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Korean culture. Participants can enhance their language skills through engaging activities such as movie nights, culinary experiences, dance classes, and cooking lessons. This inclusive group fosters enriching experiences, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for Korean culture for all ages and proficiency levels.

The Triad Nepalese Community Center strives to preserve Nepalese cultural heritage by uniting the Nepalese community, delivering direct and supportive services, creating opportunities for community members, and enabling their competence and well-being in the Triad Area.

The Nippon Club of the Triangle was founded in 1990 as a nonprofit organization committed to providing intercultural programs and activities in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The club strives to foster deeper cultural understandings between Japanese and Americans by promoting US-Japan cultural exchange and conducting local service activities. The club also aims to provide practical information for Japanese residents in this area.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month, celebrated each May (in April at Elon) in the United States, honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. This month recognizes the diverse experiences and identities within these communities, highlighting their vital roles in shaping American history, society, and culture. Originally established as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1978 and later expanded to a month-long observance in 1992, API Heritage Month commemorates significant milestones, such as the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the U.S. in May 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869, largely built by Chinese immigrants. It serves as a time for reflection, celebration, and education, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of API communities’ lasting impact on the nation.

The kickoff for Asian Pacific Islander History Month is during the first week of April, bringing together Asian student organizations and local businesses to celebrate Asian heritage and culture. The kickoff celebrates the diversity and richness of Asian heritage through food, fun, and cultural exploration.

To learn more about the events offered during API History Month, visit the Heritage Month Celebrations and Events page.

CREDE offers educational workshops around Asian identity, culture, and history occasionally throughout the semester and by request.

Workshops offered are:

Intro to Asian American History

• This introductory workshop takes participants through a brief timeline of how perceptions of Asian Americans evolved over time, and how Asian America came to be.

Understanding & Exploring Asian American Identity

• Building on the previous workshop, participants learn about how Asian identity was shaped in the past, and now in the present. Participants are also guided to explore how the themes of Asian American identity may have impacted their own lives as well.
• Participants are highly encouraged to attend the Intro to Asian American History workshop prior to attending this one if they are new to the topic.

Supporting Asian American Communities

• Building on the previous two workshops, participants learn how they can engage with and support Asian American communities at Elon, or in the wider community. This workshop is best for individuals who may hold specific leadership roles or projects in mind that they would like to direct their learning towards.
  • For example: student organization leaders, faculty, staff, or other student leadership positions are a good fit to attend this workshop.
  • Participants are highly encouraged to attend the Intro to Asian American History workshop prior to attending this one.

Workshops are open to everyone, regardless of background.

To learn more contact George Dou, Assistant Director, CREDE (gdou@elon.edu).

The Asian Studies minor offers an interdisciplinary program covering history, geography, religion, languages, philosophy, economics, and societies of Asia. Students can choose from courses on Indian, Chinese, and Japanese culture and history, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Southeast Asian environmental issues, contemporary politics in India/Pakistan, Asian film and literature, and Chinese geography. Chinese language study is available up to the advanced-low level, with other Asian languages offered through the consortium and study abroad. The university provides unique Winter Term, summer, and semester abroad opportunities in India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and Bhutan.

The Asian Pacific Student Association at Elon University promotes API initiatives and encourages the education of Asian Pacific Islander culture. They are an inclusive, student-run organization that fosters a community through social-cultural immersion. They aim to provide a space for Elon students who identify as Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander, as well as for Elon students who are interested in learning about different Asian and Pacific cultures.

The purpose of the Elon Chinese Club is to serve as a resource for Elon University students who are interested in the Chinese language or culture. The club provides opportunities for interested students to participate in Chinese cultural events, language speaking sessions, connections with local Chinese, and Alumni who work in China. Chinese Club gives interested students and potential applicants the opportunity to make friends and contacts who are interested in learning Chinese or working in China.

The Anime and Japanese Studies Club is a space for enthusiasts of Japanese culture and media, mainly Anime, who wish to share and discuss their interests.

The Associate Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. at Elon University is the first and only Asian-interest sorority on campus. Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. was founded on March 9, 1995, and the chapter was chartered at Elon on November 12, 2022. The sorority is guided by three pillars: Sisterhood, Service, and Cultural Diversity. Prospective members must have a minimum GPA of 2.9. For more information, please visit the National Website.

K-DNS is an audition-based group that provides a space for students to hone dance, vocal and rap skills and share their love of K-Pop.

Surtal translates into two words – music that soothes the soul, and rhythmic beats. Internal performances on occasions such as the festival of lights, the festival of colours, World Dance Day, among others are covered by Surtal. No prior experience is required, all we seek is your passion to immerse yourselves into something fun and exciting! We hope to see you.