Leadership message: Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Dear Colleagues,

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a time for us to celebrate and honor the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and their descendants. 

By the same token, this month-long celebration should serve as a critical reminder of the importance of addressing health equity, diversity, and inclusion within the AAPI community – which faces significant health disparities and barriers to care. As a collective community, we must acknowledge and address health inequities taking place, and invest in a future where every individual has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential. 

As part of the Asian Pacific American Alliance Systemwide (APASA) Employee Resource Group (ERG) at UC Davis Health, we're excited to share this special month with you all.

There are many ways to participate in onsite and offsite activities to raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster unity within our community this month. Join us!

Upcoming AAPI Events hosted by APASA ERG

Meditation workshops: A weekly virtual meditation workshop, led by Dr. Eva Lew, focusing on health and wellness of mind, body, and spirit. (More information at bottom)

• Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m.: May 9, 16, 23 and 30
  
  

AAPI month celebration: Explore the cultural showcase, where members of our community can share traditions, music and art from their respective cultures. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other and celebrate the richness of our heritage.

• Wednesday, May 24, from 5-7 p.m. at Betty Irene Moore Hall
  
  

Culinary adventures: Food brings people together, and we'll be celebrating the diverse cuisines of Asia and the Pacific Islands through the AAPI Night Market. To learn more and attend, visit https://aapinightmarket.com/.

Film screenings and book clubs: Dive into the rich storytelling of Asian and Pacific Islander communities through film screenings and book clubs. From documentaries to fiction, explore stories that resonate with our experiences and shed light on our collective histories. Visit the UC Davis library for archives and special collections or stop by the Sacramento Public Library for curated achievements and contributions by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Small business service initiatives: Giving back is an integral part of our culture, and there are many small businesses in our community that can use our support. Visit the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce to look-up and support locally owned AAPI businesses: https://www.sacasiancc.org

We encourage all members of the UC Davis Health community to participate in these events and activities. Whether you're Asian, Pacific Islander, or an ally, your involvement is crucial in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Let's come together to celebrate our diversity, honor our heritage, and build a stronger, more united community at UC Davis Health. We look forward to seeing you at our events throughout the month of May!

Warm regards,

APASA ERG Executive Committee
UC Davis Health