The Equity Extra

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month when we honor the contributions of Asian/Pacific Islanders to society.

Americans with Asian ancestry are already a very diverse group—not surprising since 60% of people on Earth live in Asia.

There are hundreds if not thousands of different Asian cultures and languages. When we include Pacific Islanders, the degree of diversity becomes even greater.

API Americans have vibrant cultural differences, and there is no singular face, color, or ethnicity in this community.

The richness of this heritage is something we all benefit from as Americans. By embracing this heritage, we make our society stronger.

APISU affinity groups in 4J are supporting kids to connect and take pride in their heritage, while at the same time encouraging them to see themselves as essential parts of society.

To celebrate AAPI Heritage, there will be a lot going on in Eugene and Lane County this spring and summer. Here are some notable events and festivities:

Asian Night Market
Friday, May 26, 2023, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Eugene Downtown Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza, 8th & Oak Sts.
Bring your family and friends for a delightful evening of Asian cultural performances, a wide selection of Asian foods, a marketplace of craft vendors, and more. After last year’s success of the first Asian Night Market on the Downtown East Park Block, this year’s event is being moved to the new Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza.

Asian & Pacific Islander Community Multicultural Celebration 2023
Friday, June 2, 2023, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Lane Community College Main Campus
Multicultural Celebration 2023 is an inclusive community event. There will be cultural performances in both music and movement arts from our local student groups at LCC and 4J. Food will be available for purchase from local food vendors or food trucks outside the Longhouse.

2023 Asian Celebration
Saturday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Alton Baker Park
The 39th Oregon Asian Celebration and Obon & Taiko Festival invite all ages to celebrate a day of Asian and Asian American cultural diversity through entertainment, Asian foods, crafts, heritage exhibits, martial arts performances, a thriving marketplace, and more.

Mia Lu, Program Coordinator, Asian Pacific Islander Student Unions

Here are some resources where you can learn more

• Jewish American Heritage Month 2022
• Jewish Women's Archives
• ADL Resources
• Jewish Multiracial Network

The Equity Library has over 100 titles handpicked by the Directors of Equity and the Equity team. These titles show an in-depth look at the various issues that go hand and hand with equity, race, and inclusion.

Books can be checked out using the form below and will be sent to individuals via interoffice mail. Books need to be returned to the Equity Department 3 weeks after the borrowing date.

Please use this form to check out books from the library.

Titles available in the Equity Library can be found here