Statement from Dr. Isom on APIDA Heritage Month

The month of May (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month), marks a time when we recognize and honor the innumerable contributions, varied histories, and vibrant cultures of the broad array of ethnicities that make up what we call the Asian American community.

While this is a month to celebrate, we must also acknowledge how difficult these last two years have been. Asian American individuals, families, and communities have been disproportionately impacted by the collective tragedies of the global pandemic, discrimination and escalating anti-Asian violence (up over 300% from last year, with numerous incidents going unreported).   

The APIDA community at Cal Poly draws together Desi Americans (South Asian) with Asian Pacific Islanders, and makes this a recognition of the more than thirty Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander identities – representing a multitude of languages, cultures, and experiences –  all of which enrich, strengthen, and deepen our campus and our nation. These past couple of years, we have also seen Asian Americans continue to be the fastest growing ethnic population in the U.S. and we witnessed Vice President Kamala Harris, become the first person of South Asian descent to serve in that executive office.

This month, and every month, is an opportunity to pursue personal and social healing and to press on, despite and amidst pain and inequity, towards justice, unity, and triumph. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, puts it thusly – “In this time of increasing fear and violence, we will celebrate, commemorate, and reflect on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by sharing the long history of Asian American resistance, and reaffirm our need to stand together as Americans.”  

This year’s AANHPI Heritage Month’s theme is “Advancing leaders through collaboration.” Register now for the State of APIDA virtual panel event – happening May 18 from 6-7:30pm - which amplifies the voices and lived experiences of Cal Poly’s APIDA community. The most effective intentional collaborations can be started by listening.

Dr. Denise Isom
Interim Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion / Chief Diversity Officer