The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh traditionally celebrates Asian Heritage Month in April in order to dedicate a full month to commemorating the accomplishments, history and rich cultures of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In light of the coronavirus crisis, face-to-face events tied to Asian Heritage Month at UW Oshkosh were canceled.
Asian Heritage Month instead will be celebrated at home in May instead, the traditional month for this commemoration. Please join us in learning about the history, contributions, cultures and traditions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The Asian Student Association has compiled information, activities and videos for you to read, learn, view and enjoy while in quarantine in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
History
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month takes place in May for two reasons: to commemorate the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to honor the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.
- Five facts about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month from Hawaii to New York City: Travel from Hawaii to New York City to meet a hula champion living out a childhood dream, a rapper challenging stereotypes and performers keeping a Tang Dynasty-era tradition alive.
Contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. military
History, contributions and challenges experienced by Asian Americans
- Asian Americans (premieres May 11-12 on PBS): A five-hour film series that delivers a bold, fresh perspective on a history that matters today more than ever. As America becomes more diverse, how do we move forward together? Told through intimate personal stories, the series will cast a new lens on U.S. history and the ongoing role that Asian Americans have played.
- What it means growing up Asian American
- Growing up Hmong American
Art/music
Art and music is a significant part of culture. Asian art is rich and diverse, ranging from paintings to landscaping. Art can be in many forms; temples/shrines, sculptures, quilts, wood print, film, theater, poetry and beyond. For many years, it has been a way of embracing one’s self interest, to tell a story about a tragic event or to embrace an idea. Asian music encompasses numerous musical styles.
Spoken word/slam poetry
Representation and visibility in film and theater
Select traditional music/instruments
- Guqin, Chinese musical instrument
- Hmong flute/qeej
- Japanese taiko drumming
- Korean traditional music
- Music of the Chokri Naga, Nagaland (state in northeast India, bordering Myanmar)
- Persian Santur instrument
- Polynesian traditional dance
Asian art
- Asian Art Museum
- South and South Asian Art: A Resource for Educators
- Flower Cloth: The Art and History of Hmong Paj Ntaub
Popular Asian cuisines and recipes to make at home
Must-watch movies and TV series
- Fresh Off the Boat (TV series)
- Mr. Sunshine (TV series)
- Parasite (movie)
- The Farewell (movie)
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (movie)
- 1985 (movie)