May was Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The Federal Asian Pacific American Council selected the theme for May 2026 to be “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” a concept that has defined the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora in the U.S.
William Gow, an associate professor in ethnic studies, organizes an art showcase for students titled “Stop The Hate.” Students from five classes create art, ranging from paintings, zines and short documentaries. Gow and other faculty funded the showcase with a Stop The Hate grant, created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What we’re trying to do here is through art and media, show the complexity of the Asian American experience,” Gow said.
Anti-Asian violence during and after the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a lingering issue according to Gow. From March 19, 2020 to February 28, 2021, there were nearly 3,800 reported cases of anti-Asian hate crimes.