The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) invites the Elon community to celebrate and learn more about history and heritage of the Asian and Pacific Islander community.
The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) at Elon will begin its annual celebration of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage (API) Month in April, which nationally is recognized during May to commemorate the arrival in the United States of the first immigrants from Japan in May 1843.
This year’s theme, “Identities in Bloom, Identities Taking Root,” centers on the various and diverse ways in which members of the API diaspora have built community, fostered resiliency and created their own path to “blossom” where they’ve been planted. A full list of events can be found on the CREDE’s website.
Questions about the events or the celebration can be directed to George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE, at gdou@elon.edu.
API Heritage Month Kickoff
Wednesday, April 3
5:30-7 p.m. | Medallion Plaza
Join us to kick off the university’s celebration of API month! The event will feature various foods from different regions of Asia and performances. There will also be activities hosted by community organizations & campus departments, as well as local businesses visiting. In addition, there will be a chance to win prizes by participating in the kickoff’s activities.
Food For Thought – India
Monday, April 8
5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Join us for a Food For Thought featuring Indian/South Asian Cultures and food from Taaza! Food For Thought is a monthly program hosted by the CREDE to bring together the API community at Elon. Each month, a different culture and community is featured, with students from featured communities sharing about their culture and experiences. This month’s Food For Thought will be hosted in collaboration with Elon’s chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
Rainbow Boba
Thursday, April 11
6–8 p.m. | El Centro Kitchen (Carlton 116)
Hosted by the Asian-Pacific Student Association and the Gender & LGBTQIA Center, Rainbow Boba was created to form a space for gathering and discussion on topics related to the intersections of the LGBTQIA+ and API communities. Also, of course, a rainbow of colorful drinks and boba will be provided!
Asian Film Series: Various Movie Screenings
The Asian Studies program will host two film screenings during April. Both film screenings will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Global Media Room. Please contact Director of the Asian Studies program Binnan Gao at bgao@elon.edu for more information.
This year’s films are:
“Aloners”
Tuesday, April 2
A young woman who becomes increasingly isolated had a new perception of human connection after her unexpected interactions with her neighbors.
“Small Enough to Jail”
Tuesday, April 16
Abacus, a small family-owned bank in New York City’s Chinatown and the only bank that was brought criminal charges after the 2008 financial crisis, fought against accusations of mortgage fraud. The film explores themes of justice, community, and the immigrant experience in America.
Communi-Tea Time
Every Thursday in April
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)
Join us every Thursday to meet new students, faculty, and staff over Asian teas and snacks! We will be bringing different snacks and teas each week of April.