Asian American-Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month has been nationally recognized in the month of May by Congress since 1977. On the EWU campus, we honor this month by recognizing and celebrating the contributions, rich history, and diversity of AA-NH/PI people, and by standing in solidarity with these communities at EWU, in Cheney, Spokane, and globally.
On behalf of the EWU AA-NH/PI Planning Committee we invite you to participate in the many events throughout the month. Please see our events below. If you have any questions please contact John Hoffschneider jhoffschneider@ewu.edu
Library Resources for AANHPI Heritage Month
AANHPI Month Library Book Display
May 1 to May 31, 2026
Location: John F. Kennedy Library Lobby EWU Cheney Campus
May 1 – 31 | AANHPI Month Materials Display | John F. Kennedy Library Lobby EWU Cheney Campus
The display will feature some of the library’s recent books on AANHPI histories and cultures, including children’s books from the Curriculum Center.
View the collection of EWU Library AANHPI resource suggestions here.
For more information, please contact Qing Stellwagen at qstellwagen@ewu.edu and Steven Bingo at sbingo@ewu.edu
Be the Bridge Art Exhibit
May 1, 2026 | 6pm-8pm
Location: Saranac Building + Saranac Commons- 25 W. Main Ave. Spokane, WA
Let’s kick the month off through a celebration of our Asian and Asian American community through the power of art and stories. There will be an artist talk, poetry reading, Asian treats, performances, photobooth, and karaoke! Free and open to the public. We will have limited free tickets to get free food and drinks from our local business partners: Serai Mas, Boots Bakery & Lounge, Spokane Slice, and Black Label Brewing Co.
Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane – you can see their full list of heritage month events here.
May 2, 2026 3pm-5pm- 1020 W. Riverside Ave, Spokane WA
ACL Spokane is excited to host the 5th Annual Spokane Asian Graduation Celebration!
Join us as we honor YOU and the brilliance of our Asian/Asian American graduates! Open to all Asian + Asian American high school, college, master, and PhD students graduating as class of 2026! RSVP Deadline Extended until Monday, April 27, 2026
Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane – you can see their full list of heritage month events here.
What to expect:
- Performance from our local Asian American artists
- Enjoy yummy Asian food
- Receive a special ACL graduation stole and other gifts
- Photobooth
- Karaoke
EWU Pacific Islanders Club
20th Annual Lu’au
May 2, 2026 | Doors open at 4:00 pm
Location: EWU Cheney Campus- Reece Courts 1136 Washington St, Cheney, WA 99004
EWU PI Club Ticket Information: Limited Tickets at the gate only! Online Store Closed!
It’s Dinner and a Show! EWU students $23 and Community Members $28 per ticket
Grace Leaf “Mobilizing Resistance and Maintaining Resilience“
Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies
- Tuesday May 7, 2026
- GWSS WAGE Center- Monroe 207
Grace Leaf, a Korean adoptee who grew up in rural Washington unearthed family secrets about the horrors of World War 2 during her doctoral studies that upended her place. As Grace witnesses history repeating itself, she offers strategies to stem the tide of tyranny while preventing burnout and maintaining resilience on a personal and organizational level. This event is free and open to the public.
Asian Student Association of EWU- 509 MARKET
Wednesday May 13, 2026 | 10 am-2pm
Location: Pence Union Building Skirt– 926 Elm Street Cheney, WA 99004
The Asian Student Association (ASA) will be having their annual 509 Market event! This baked goods fundraising event will feature Asian pre-packaged snacks, mystery box, and other items to raise funds for their student organization. Other student organizations will be present with booths set up providing similar items for sale. For more information, please contact ASA President Sidney strujillo@ewu.edu
Thank you to our collaborators and planning committee members!
Partners and Sponsors
- Asians for Collective Liberation in Spokane – you can see their full list of heritage month events here.
- Asian Students Association
- EWU JFK Library
- JLR Multicultural Center
- EWU Pacific Islanders Club
- Women and Gender’s Studies Program
