Our Stories: AAPI Heritage Month & the Stanford Community

It's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and we wanted to hear from diverse voices around the globe about your experiences being AAPI. The pandemic and recent violence around the country have sparked active discussion about the AAPI experience—and we want to hear what it means to you to be Asian American or Pacific Islander.

In a few lines (or up to two paragraphs) please share your thoughts:

* What does your culture/heritage mean to you (however you want to define it)?
*As someone living in the U.S. or abroad, how does this manifest in your daily life—or how do you wish it would manifest?
*Are there ways you celebrate and preserve your culture/heritage?

Some potential themes to help get you started:
Identity / Pride
Preserving Culture, Heritage or Language
Family Relationships (your parents, grandparents, children)
Fitting in (or not) as an American
Erasure / Invisibility
Anything else you’re interested in sharing!

Your entry could be a reflection about growing up in the United States, your time at Stanford, or your life/career today.

Please share your story here.

APA Literature Book Club: Minor Feelings (6/26)

Minor Feelings Book Club, hosted by Prof. Christine Min Wotipka (AM '99, PhD '01)

Friday, June 26th, 5pm PT

Virtual event via Zoom

Click to RSVP

Interested in reading and discussing books by APA authors and meeting fellow Stanford alumni? Participate in the first SAPAAC summer reading group!

Our first book discussion will be on Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning. Minor Feelings is a book that examines racial consciousness in America through the lens of the Asian American author/poet’s own experiences. It is simultaneously emotionally honest, humorous, provocative, and gripping all at once.  

Professor Christine Min Wotipka (AM '99, PhD '01) of the Stanford Graduate School of Education will host the book club. After an initial opening statement, you'll be moved into breakout rooms for further discussion. 

Zoom details will be shared with attendees prior to the event.

Questions? Contact Angela Zhang ‘16 (SAPAAC Board) at zhangela18@gmail.com. 

People's Teahouse (10/26) Reception at Okada

“People's Teahouse plaque unveiling and reception" Source: Stanford Archives

“People's Teahouse plaque unveiling and reception" Source: Stanford Archives

People’s Teahouse Workers of the World (Re)Unite!

During the 1970s and 1980s, the People’s Teahouse served dim sum, tea, ramen, and almond cookies to hungry Stanford students, next to Madera House (today called the Okada House). The volunteer work force consisted mainly of Asian Theme House residents (then located in Junipero, and later moved to Okada), along with members of JRA (Junipero Ringers Association), AASA (Asian American Students Association), and anyone else willing to contribute to maintaining this unique venue. All proceeds were donated to Asian community groups by vote of the Teahouse Workers.

Specialties from the People’s Teahouse menu will be available for tasting at this Reunion Homecoming event. This Reunion Year, many of the first wave of Workers and Managers will be present, to share their experiences and stories. Final details and registration information will be posted soon, so please keep up with your SAPAAC newsletters and emails. 

People’s Teahouse Reception
Time: October 26th, 2019 4 - 7 PM (tentative)
Location: Okada House (https://goo.gl/maps/q8ken2VsYjLzBGGP9)
Contact: Dan Kojiro dankojiro@sbcglobal.net
RSVP: https://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/events/details?event_id=30623

7/22/2018: Membership Summer Barbecue

SAPAAC is hosting its first summertime membership family picnic—and you're invited!

Elections are also around the corner, so mingle with current and departing SAPAAC Board members and possible candidates in the Bay Area. SAPAAC members are welcome to bring guests. Alum-not-yet-members are welcome to come solo to find out more about SAPAAC. 

But don't come empty-handed! Bring something to share with 10-12 others. We'll provide Korean BBQ, chicken sausages, and a veg option. Choose something from your personal repertoire or our list of suggestions: drinks, sides, watermelon, non-melting desserts, etc.

Sign up for the event here: https://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/events/details?event_id=27496

UPDATE: Event photos are here!