Asian American + Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Links for all events are available here: linktr.ee/vcuomsa

Tuesday, April 2
Iftar: Hosted by the Students of the VCU English Language Program
Sundown at West Grace North Room 1030 J
As a part of this event, we invite you to bring a dessert to share! There will be a competition to choose the best dessert, and the winner will receive a prize!
Global Education Office

Wednesday, April 3
Through the Decades: AAPI Life at VCU
Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave, Room 303
Through the Decades: AAPI Life at VCU is a special exhibit featuring the history of AAPI students, faculty, and student organizations at VCU. Join us on April 3rd, from 4:30-6:30pm in Cabell Room 303 for an evening full of history, community, and food! We hope that this exhibit will inform students about the history of AAPI life on campus and give a glimpse into how our community has changed over the years. This is a collaboration between Asian American & Pacific Islander Affinity (AAPIA), You First at VCU, OMSA, and VCU Libraries in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month.
YouFirst/AAPIA/OMSA/VCU Libraries

Thursday, April 4
Made in Vietnam Zine Launch Party
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
Come join superblooom for the launch of our first zine, “Made in Vietnam.” We will have zine-making, food, and a panel discussion with our members. Come and learn about Vietnam and the process it took to make this zine. Stick around for a panel discussion where our members will dive into topics on diaspora narratives, dismantling media portrayals, and global south solidarity.
Superblooom/OMSA

Tuesday, April 9
Diaspora Dialogues: A Queer & AAPI Discussion Panel
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
Join us for a discussion with queer, Asian, and/or Pacific Islander panelists! Discussion topics will include dating, navigating family dynamics, finding community, and more. Pad Thai, samosas, and chai will be served! We will also raffle off three gift baskets, provided by AAPI Affinity.
Panelists include:
Narissa Rahaman, Executive Director of Equality Virginia
Nafis Narsinghani, Founder & CEO of RVA's Gold Lion Community Café
Vivian Chu, local artist who hails from Hong Kong
AAPIA/PRISM/OMSA

Sunday, April 14
Cultural Blast
Commons Plaza, 907 Floyd Ave.
Join us this spring for a night filled with performances by the culturally based Greek organizations at VCU! Come see how the various cultures of the world are represented in different ways throughout several cultural organizations!
UGC/FSL/OMSA

Tuesday, April 16
AAPI Connect: Bridging Cultures
Commonwealth Ballrooms, 907 Floyd Ave, 2nd Floor
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is excited to collaborate with the YouFirst office to host our AAPI Faculty, Staff & Student Mixer, AAPI Connect! This program is designed for our Asian VCU Community (faculty, staff, students) to come together, mingle, and make connections. Attendance at all OMSA events is open to all students, faculty, and staff who wish to participate. Come and bring a friend! Food & games will be provided!
YouFirst/Inclusive Excellence/OMSA

Thursday, April 18
College Cooking Class: AAPI Edition
Rodney's, Shafer Court Dining Center, 1st Floor
Want to learn how to make easy, college-approved recipes? Join us for a special cooking class in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month with You First and VCU Dine on Thursday, April 18, at 4pm. VCU's Dietitian will be teaching us how to make dumplings and summer rolls. Space is limited. RSVP required.
YouFirst/VCU Dine

Being My Own Boss: Nafis Narsinghani
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
Raised in Tennessee, Nafis Narsinghani found his way to RVA in 2023 with his husband, Matthew, and his four fur babies after living in Nashville for the past 6 years. Inspired by his Indian American background and love for creating community, he set out to start his cafe as an homage to his heritage and intersectionality of being Asian, Muslim, and queer. His intention is to cultivate an inclusive environment while sharing his love for food and bring people together from all walks of life. Join us in learning about his journey and enjoy Gold Lion treats!
OMSA

Wednesday, April 24
Resettled: A Survivor's Story
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, 907 Floyd Ave, Suite 215
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs invites you all to our upcoming guided discussion with Khushnood Nabizada. Khushnood will tell his personal stories of working as the Chief of Staff to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, becoming a refugee, and his adjustment to his new life in Virginia.
OMSA

Tuesday, April 30
International Dance Day
Cary Street Gym, 101 S Linden St.
The joy in dance carries across cultures both highlighting and unifying the physical and emotional release movement inspires. Join us in celebrating this International Dance Day 2024 with performances and lessons by our student organizations and instructors in Cary Street Gym from Noon – 5 p.m.
RecWell