Dear UMB Community, 

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time when we highlight the legacies and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States and our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community.  

Our nation and world are greatly impacted by the dedication and innovation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. For example, in 1964, Patsy Mink became the first Asian American woman elected to Congress, and her contributions include advancing affordable child care and gender and racial equity. Peter Tsai, a Taiwanese American materials scientist, invented the fabric used in N95 filters that have been widely used since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Aruna Miller, who is of South Asian descent, is the 10th lieutenant governor of Maryland. She is the first woman of color and immigrant elected to statewide office in Maryland. She has devoted her life to public service and removing systemic barriers to opportunity. Susan Lee is Maryland’s first Asian American Secretary of State. Lee is a political trailblazer, having served for over 20 years in the Maryland General Assembly.

During AAPI Heritage Month at UMB, we also affirm our commitment and support for Asian American and Pacific Islander colleagues and friends as we continue to see a perpetuation of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia against the AAPI community. These incidents reinforce our commitment to increasing belonging, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at UMB and throughout Baltimore, the state of Maryland, and the world.

Please join us as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at the events on campus listed below. And keep an eye on The Elm Weekly newsletter for more ways to celebrate this heritage month.

In partnership and collaboration,

Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, MA
Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and Vice President, UMB
Professor, Graduate School

AAPI HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS

School of Medicine AAPI Heritage Event

May 3 | Noon | Virtual | Register Here for May 3

Learn about the cultural impact of the AAPI community and uncover its contributions to American society through music, art, and politics.

AAPI History Trivia and Bubble Tea

May 6 | 12:15 p.m. | SMC Campus Center | Register Here for May 6

Take a moment to quiz your knowledge and learn about AAPI history while picking up a free bubble tea from Chatime Maryland! Bubble tea is for students only. Registration is required to pick up a tea. 

The Table Dialogue: Exploring the Diversity in AAPI Identities

May 8 | Noon | Virtual | Register Here for May 8

The AAPI community consists of over 50 ethnicities and more than 60 nationalities that speak over 100 languages and dialects. Join the Intercultural Center for a dialogue that pushes back against the conflation of AAPI identities into a singular monolithic narrative and uplifts the diverse experiences of AAPI people in the United States.