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Heritage & Health Series Program

Join Us for AAPIHM May 2025Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebrating Community & Creating Joy

Join in community and celebration for our AAPI events in May and check back often for event updates.

Thursday, April 24

Andrew Lam Book Talk 

Noon–1 p.m.
Room 5015 or ZOOM 

(NOTE: this event already took place)

A prolific writer and journalist whose work explores the Vietnamese diaspora and the human experience. Born in South Vietnam, Lam left during the fall of Saigon and eventually found his voice in creative writing. Come join us to meet the author and discuss his book. Food & refreshments will be served. Zoom option available

Sunday, May 4

Asian/Pacific American Network (APAN) presents:
Japanese Archery

Noon–4 p.m.
Small Gym (Room 2501)

Join us for a demonstration of Japanese archery, Kyudo, (弓道) in Japanese, a type of martial arts from Japan. Kyudo originated with the samurai class of feudal Japan and involves shooting targets at a distance of 28 meters, using long bows that are more than 6 feet long. The demonstration will be performed by Shiseikan Kyudojo, based in Redwood City. The club has been practicing at Foothill since the 90s.

Learn more about Shiseikan Kyudojo

Wednesday, May 7

AAPIHM Opening Ceremony

Noon–1 p.m.
Library Quad

The month commences with an exciting opening ceremony. Please join us for a special guest performance by the band Drunken Starfighter, special catered complimentary Hawaiian BBQ & beverages, and API resources will all be provided. This event is not to be missed, be sure to bring a classmate with you!

Listen to Drunken Starfighter on Spotify

 

Learn More about Drunken Starfighter

Drunken Starfighter is a reggae dub collective conceived in the Silicon Valley of California sometime around 2003.

The band solidified through a mutual love of science fiction and late 70’s, early 80's Jamaican artists such as King Tubby, Roots Radics, & The Scientist. 

Drunken Starfighter began booking shows around the San Francisco Bay Area and naturally word got out about their unique  intergalactic sound and socially conscious lyrics. 

Word spread…opening doors for Starfighter to open for top international artists such as Eek-A-Mouse, The Specials, The English Beat, Living Legends, Long Beach Dub Allstars , Zion-I, Katchafire, Dub Trio, Project Blowed and Bay Area hip-hop legends Digital Underground as well multiple tours. 

Drunken Starfighter is comprised of… 

  • Willis Mecha - Vocal/Guitar
  • Stevie Mickleson - Vocal
  • Adrian DeCastro -  Vocal/Keyboards
  • Jim Heeney  - Lead Guitar 
  • Daniel Monroe aka Fat Pockets - Bass
  • Dean DeCastro - Drums & Percussion

Thursday, May 8

Anime Club Hosts a Film Screening 

Time TBD
BIPOC Center 

Please check back for more event details soon! This club event is open to all. 

Tuesday, May 13

Asian/Pacific American Network (APAN) presents: Chinatown Rising Film + Q&A with Director Josh Chuck 

10:30 a.m. –Noon 
Room 5015 

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Josh Chuck and gain valuable insights into his transformative work in San Francisco's Chinatown. Clips from the film will be shown and discussion.

Food and refreshments will be provided. 

Chinatown Rising is a documentary film directed by Harry Chuck and Josh Chuck. 

Open Mic hosted by WLC and Foothill's Award Winning Speech and Debate Club:

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Writing & Language Center (Bldg 3600)

Open Mic Night @ Foothill – Your Voice, Your Stage! Got something to say? A poem to share? A story to tell? This is your moment! 

Join us for an inspiring and electric evening where students and staff take the mic to express themselves through speeches, poems, spoken word, and more. Whether you want to perform, cheer on your peers, or just soak in the vibes, everyone’s welcome.

WHAT'S IN STORE

  • A supportive, welcoming space to share your voice
  • Free food & drinks to keep the good vibes going
  • Official participation certificates for all speakers & performers
  • An audience full of good energy and open minds

So come speak your truth, listen with your heart, or just be part of something meaningful. Mic’s on. Lights are up. All that’s missing is YOU. 

Thursday, May 15

Virtual Artist Talk with Carolyn Fong

2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Register and Join via ZOOM

Carolyn Fong is a commercial and editorial photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in imagery that celebrates craft, community, and culture—often through the lens of food and drink. As an Asian-American woman, immigrant, and business owner, she is deeply committed to representation and ensuring people feel seen and valued in visual media. Her lived experience informs her creative approach, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, particularly for BIPOC communities. Carolyn is dedicated to anti-racism and believes wholeheartedly that Black lives matter. 

www.carolynfongphotography.com/

Asian/Pacific American Network (APAN) presents:
API Celebration 

4:30 p.m. –7 p.m.
Dining Hall, (Campus Center Upper Level)  

Come join APAN End-of-the-Year celebration as we celebrate our scholarship winners and students who are graduating and transferring. Feel free to bring family and friends. Food and refreshments will be served. 

To secure your seat for this event, please RSVP

Tuesday, May 20 

Ayurveda Workshop with Elizabeth Swamy 

Noon-2 p.m.
BIPOC Center 

Come join Elizabeth Swamy and Vedic Wild Ayurveda for an enlightening introduction to Ayurveda. Explore the ancient self-care tradition from India, spanning over 5,000 years. Discover yoga movements, meditation, and other stress-relieving practices to enhance your well-being. Plus, uncover some cool secrets along the way and a few giveaways! All are welcome - no prior experience or understanding needed. Wear comfortable clothing.

Lite refreshments will be provided. 

Wednesday, May 21 

Desi Student Union Holi Celebration

11 a.m. -Noon 
Grass patch outside ASFC offices

Get ready to drench yourself in color, music, and joy — it’s time to celebrate Holi, the iconic Indian festival that marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the spirit of unity and renewal!

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Live Music & Dancing – High-energy beats and Bollywood vibes
  • Color Throwing – Let loose with vibrant, eco-friendly powders
  • Delicious Indian Food – Enjoy classic Holi snacks and sweets
  • Free White T-Shirts – We’ve got you covered for the color fun!

Whether you're Desi or just down to get colorful, everyone’s invited to join the fun. Come solo or bring your crew — just don’t wear your favorite outfit (you will get colorful)!

Let’s make it a day full of color, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Holi Hai! 

Yoga with Mona in the Plaza

Noon-1 p.m.
Campus Center Plaza 

Come join us for some yoga outdoors with special guest and local yoga instructor Mona Ahuja of Cresent Moon Yoga in Los Altos. 

Be sure to bring your yoga mat (we have extras in case you can't).

Lite refreshments will be provided. 

Thursday, May 22 

AANHPI Showcase Event

Noon - 1 p.m.
Library Quad

We're inviting our students to join us for a resource fair aimed at providing support, information, and resources for our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander community members. We'll feature AANHPI related student clubs, as well as campus resources from different departments.

Games Day by Games Club

4 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
KCI (Krause Center for Innovation) 

Please check back for more event details as they are finalized.

Tuesday, May 27

Comedy Show  


Noon–1 p.m.
TBD 

Please check back for more event details as they are finalized. 

Wednesday, May 28

Closing Ceremony 


Noon–1 p.m.
Library Quad  

Join us for the closing ceremony of API Month, where we'll reflect on the month's events and enjoy a delicious Thai meal and a performance from Hula Dancers as we wrap up this month of celebration and community, and creating joy.


Questions? Please contact Victoria Strelnikova at strelnikovavictoria@fhda.edu.

APIHM Planning Committee Members

Thank you to all our students, faculty and staff who helped plan our APIHM events this month.

  • Pauline Brown
  • Peter Chow
  • Pascal Johnson 
  • Clifton Der Bing
  • Ashley Rajaa
  • Danmin Deng
  • Christopher Yang
  • Shahana Shai
  • Crystel Chen
  • Mang-Ling Cho
  • Anju Vriksha
  • Judith Walgren
  • Valerie Fong
  • Aisuluu Arancibia
  • Victoria Strelnikova

API Library Resources

Visit our Asian Pacific Islander Library page for a list of books, videos, websites and other great resources. 

Learn more about the contributions generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders have made to American history, society and culture.

 

Did You Know?

Our Foothill campus includes a Japanese Culture Center and Bambo Garden.  Learn about the center here.

Watch the 19-minute video—narrated by Dr. Michiko Hiramatsu, founder of Foothill's Japanese language program. She provides a look into an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony held at the Foothill College Japanese Cultural Center during an autumn day in 1987.
Campus Center Building

Questions?
We're Here to Help!

Heritage Month Planning

650.949.7060


strelnikovavictoria@fhda.edu


Campus Center, Room 2008

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