By Yassir Azzam
On Oct. 24, Brooklyn College’s Tow Center Atrium was transformed into a vibrant space celebrating heritage, diversity, and community as the Brooklyn College Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANAPISI) Project (BCAP) honored Filipinx American Heritage Month (FAHM) and Native American and Indigenous Heritage Month (NAIHM). The evening showcased a window into the rich cultural legacies shared by BC’s diverse student body.
Guests were welcomed into the space with ambient music rooted in the traditions of Hawai’i, the Philippines, and other represented cultures. Each table offered a feast not only of food, but of artistic expressions of each culture. The goal for the BC groups who organized the event was to highlight the importance of culture and representation as well as celebrate diversity.
“The purpose of the event was to highlight the diversity in the Filipinx, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander cultures and to bring awareness to Filipinx, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander social issues by sharing histories of global oppression and activism of these communities,” Megan Go, program coordinator of BCAP, told The Vanguard. “This event was both a celebration and an opportunity to showcase Filipinx, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander cultures.”
The event featured speaker Stacey Young, who captivated the crowd with her heartfelt discussion on preserving Hawai’i’s cultural heritage. She began her address in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, grounding her message in a sense of belonging and respect for ancestry. Kahu Kris followed with a traditional flute performance, sharing the sacred Hawaiian tradition of giving thanks to the forest before harvesting its gift—a gesture of gratitude and respect that resonated deeply with attendees.
The event was also a collaboration with the Women’s Center, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and Black and Latino Male Initiative (BLMI). The event embodied a collective effort to create a safe, inclusive environment for students. “We aim to foster a space where students feel empowered to uplift their communities,” said Dr. Sau-fong Au, co-principal investigator of BCAP and director of the Women’s Center. “These gatherings are more than just celebrations: they’re reminders of the cultures and histories that shape us all.”
Throughout the night, the sense of community grew as guests shared meals and stories. At the lei-making station, fresh leaves and flowers became symbols of connection, each twist in the lei binding the participants not only to the materials but to one another. The laughter and shared experiences fostered a bond that extended beyond cultural lines, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and mutual respect.
Events like this are part of BCAP’s ongoing mission to build awareness and pride among BC’s diverse student population. By gathering students around themes of heritage and resilience, BCAP and its partners aim to inspire the next generation to honor the past while building a unified, inclusive future.
“It was so rewarding to hear how welcomed our audience, and our speakers and performers felt being in the space,” said Go. “We are also truly honored to have shared the space with our remarkable speakers and performers, and we are grateful for their wisdom they’ve graciously shared with the community.”