Laney College is marking Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a series of events that bring culture, history, and community to the forefront—creating space for reflection, celebration, and connection across campus.
Observed each May, AAPI Heritage Month honors the rich histories and contributions of AAPI communities in the United States. The month commemorates two key milestones: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869—made possible by the labor of thousands of Chinese immigrants.
At Laney, that history isn’t just acknowledged—it’s brought to life.
Film, History, and Shared Stories
The month kicks off with a special screening of The Bengali: An Afternoon of Film and Shared Histories, held at The Forum on May 7. The film explores the untold story of early South Asian immigrants who built lives and families within African American communities in the United States.
Following the screening, attendees are encouraged to engage in a thoughtful panel discussion and audience Q&A with filmmaker Kavery Kaul and community leaders, diving deeper into themes of identity, migration, and shared histories across communities.
A Celebration in the Quad
The celebration continues on Wednesday, May 13, as the campus comes alive with the AAPI Heritage Month Celebration.
From 11:30am to 1:30pm, students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather in the Quad for an afternoon of food, performances, and community. The event features an instant noodle bar, spring rolls, boba, and ube mochi—alongside a live performance by the Laney Chinese Dance Club.
It’s a moment to pause, connect, and experience the diversity of AAPI cultures in a vibrant, welcoming setting.
Celebrating Across the Peralta Colleges
AAPI Heritage Month celebrations extend beyond Laney, bringing the broader Peralta community together.
The AAPI Graduation Celebration 2026 will take place at Merritt College on Friday, May 8 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the Newton/Seale Student Lounge (R-110). The event honors the accomplishments, resilience, and journeys of AAPI graduates across the district.
Graduates are invited to wear cultural attire or cap and gown as they celebrate in community with peers, family, and faculty.
A New Home for Community: AAPI LEAD Center
This year’s celebration also comes with a meaningful milestone—the reopening of Laney College’s dedicated AAPI student space, now part of the AAPI LEAD Center.
Located in Gym 112, the space builds on the legacy of APASS and continues the work of creating a supportive, culturally affirming environment for students. Backed by the state’s AANHPI Student Achievement Program, the center offers counseling support, community-building opportunities, college visits, and a place where students can connect and feel a true sense of belonging.
The reopening was powered by a collective effort from AAPI co-coordinators Cynthia Taing and Minh-An Nguyen, alongside Joan Su and student leaders including Nasanjargal Nyamragchaa, Jiewen Deng, Shuqin Liu, Xiao Xia Xie, and Battuya Nergui—all working to bring energy and purpose back into the space.
Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30am to 3:30pm, the center welcomes all students, while centering the experiences and needs of AAPI communities.
More Than a Month
At its core, AAPI Heritage Month at Laney is about more than celebration—it’s about visibility, connection, and building a campus where every student sees themselves reflected.
