Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American Heritage Month
What is APIDA Heritage Month?
In 1978, Congress passed a Congressional Resolution for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to be celebrated during the first week in May. It was the anniversary of the first wave of Japanese immigrants to the U.S. as well as the completion of the transcontinental railroad, which was predominantly built by Chinese Americans. In 1992, the celebration was extended through the entire month of May.
Here at the University of Maryland, we hold APIDA Heritage Month (APIDAHM) during April instead of May to ensure that our APIDA community gets a full month to celebrate their culture and heritage before summer break begins. 2026 will mark the 34th year that APIDAHM has been a nationally recognized month-long affirmation of the experiences and contributions of APIDA communities. Learn more about APIDAHM 2026 as well as our past Heritage Month themes below!
Program and Event Calendar
Move with might, Move as one
For many, movement is at the center of our Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American culture, identity, history, and heritage. We witness the currents of migration, from rushing through the hustle of airport lines, to waiting to hear stories and opening gifts from homelands. Here, we stand at the shoreline of family histories, watching the tide come and go.
To move is also a bodily act, in dance and in sport. Our bodies flow, twinkling in bright, cultural costumes to steady and stoic in martial arts uniforms. We move to breathe easier, to become stronger. Some move for recognition, for access, for care. Few move with militancy, and others with grace. Many rally to carry their voices for those who cannot move at all. From working in solidarity, to fighting for land back, to advancing the liberation of our people and sovereignty for our homelands, we must remember the power we hold as one. With arms clasped together, we recall – when one person in our community falls, we all fall, and when one person rises, we all rise. Our movements are only as strong as our bonds with one another.
We must keep moving even through these turbulent times. Come close, hold each other tight. The struggle continues, but do not be afraid. We can live without fear when the community is here. So, what’s our next move?
Hosted by MICA
Date & Time: April 2 and 3
Location: STAMP Hoff Theater
Co-Sponsor: SEE
Date & Time: April 3, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Chapel Lane (between The Chapel and Skinner Building)
This event is hosted by the Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy within the Adele H. Stamp Student Union and co-sponsored by the Department of Resident Life. In celebration of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month, we are kicking off with “Food on the Move” to uplift some of our local APIDA food trucks and in alignment with our theme.
Date & Time: April 19, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Co-Sponsor: Asian American Student Union (AASU)
Unity Gala is an end-of-the-year formal honoring all APIDA communities here at UMD.
RSVP: go.umd.edu/RSVPUG25
Date & Time: April 23, 6-8 PM
Location: MICA Cozy Corner
Co-Sponsor: A/PI Domestic Violence Resource Project
Join us at this zine-making workshop, facilitated by the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project (A/PI DVRP), as we explore healthy relationships and how they show up in our community. What do we want our relationships to be like with one another? How can we unlearn unhealthy patterns or behaviors? Express yourself through collaging and zine-making – find some sequins, sketch your thoughts, and create!
Date & Time: April 27
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Co-Sponsor: Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Join us for a guided tour of the Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond exhibition, which highlights the imprint of Asian Americans on the physical and cultural terrain of Washington, DC. brings together martial arts, neighborhood plans, street art, and more. Attendees can also join us to explore other exhibitions in the galleries – come see what moves you!
RSVP: stamp.umd.edu/sightlines
Date & Time: April 30, 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Pyon Su Room (Stamp Student Union)
Join MICA and local community organizers for an educational program on protest safety and care. Come process and gain a better understanding of the climate on campus. Community organizers will facilitate an introduction to police liaising and street medic training. Come learn how to keep each other safe!