Leading AAPI Student Organizations in Central Florida
Orlando, Florida, stands out with its rich cultural diversity, especially within its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. These communities significantly influence the local culture and history, evident in the various restaurants, shops, and annual celebrations throughout the area. The AAPI presence is particularly notable in the Mills 50® district, known for its vibrant dining and nightlife.
AAPI Influence in Orlando
The AAPI community's influence extends beyond Mills 50®. Orlando's Chinatown, located west of downtown, features various authentic Chinese restaurants and shops. The city also showcases Asian architecture at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park District. Here, a ting, a one-story structure resembling a pagoda built in Shanghai, symbolizes Orlando’s sister-city relationship with Guilin, China. The park also includes a Japanese-style rock garden with a black marble piece gifted by Taipei, Taiwan.
Prominent AAPI Student Organizations
Several student organizations in Central Florida focus on promoting AAPI culture, providing support, and fostering community among students.
Asian American Student Union (AASU) at Florida State University
The Asian American Student Union (AASU) at Florida State University (FSU) is a Student Government Agency comprising eleven affiliate organizations, with continued growth. AASU hosts educational and social events throughout the year to promote Asian culture to the campus and Tallahassee community. AASU aims to represent the Asian American community at FSU and promotes awareness of Asian American heritage and culture. It encourages civic engagement within the student body and serves as an educational and cultural learning instrument by providing programs and materials that promote appreciation for various Asian cultures. AASU also serves as a nucleus for a network to improve opportunities and living conditions for the Asian community. Thousands of students consider AASU their home, using it as a vehicle to explore their identity, network, find opportunities, and grow during their time at FSU.
Asian Pacific Islander Knowledge Community (APIKC)
The Asian Pacific Islander Knowledge Community (APIKC) is a part of NASPA, bringing together individuals in connection, growth, and purpose. The APIKC includes student affairs professionals, graduate, and undergraduate students. The APIKC educates and informs NASPA members about issues, trends, and research related to Asian Pacific Islanders in higher education. The APIKC supports the professional development of students and professionals through e-mentoring, research, online forums, and leadership opportunities.
Read also: Alumni Network Guide
East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU)
The East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of Asian and Pacific Islander social issues. Run by volunteers, ECAASU's advocacy work focuses on outreach to AAPI student organizations across the United States and educating individuals through programs throughout the year. ECAASU hosts an annual conference for Asian American students. The ECAASU conference attracts students and activists from throughout the United States. ECAASU was originally established in 1978 as the East Coast Asian Student Union (ECASU) before changing its name at a conference in 2005. The organization has a High School Program that educates high school students on Asian American issues and Campus Summits for those in higher education. ECAASU hosts annual conferences around the East Coast, exploring the nuances of the Asian American identity through workshops and keynote speakers.
UF AAJA
UF AAJA is an organization under the Asian American Journalist Association.
Other Student Organizations
Other organizations include:
- American Cultured Desi at University of South Florida
- Apex Interest Group
- Armenian Student Association
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Association (St. Petersburg campus)
- Asian Students in America
- Association of Filipino Students at USF
AAPI Events and Celebrations in Orlando
Orlando hosts many AAPI festivals and special events every year, including celebrations that capture the spirit of the Lunar New Year season, with cuisines, performances, cultural spotlights, and community activities. The Central Florida Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival showcases East Asia with martial artists, taiko drummers, food vendors, and a parade. Florida’s largest Tet Festival celebrates the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and is produced by St. Philip Phan Van. FusionFest, an annual celebration in downtown Orlando, features food, dance, art, and more from AAPI communities and other global groups during Thanksgiving weekend at the Seneff Arts Plaza.
AAPI Culinary Scene in Orlando
Orlando's culinary scene reflects its diverse AAPI communities. The Mills 50 district is known for its Vietnamese restaurants, retailers, and service providers. Orlando’s Chinatown, west of downtown, offers authentic Chinese restaurants and shops. EDOBOY, Orlando’s first standing sushi bar, is MICHELIN Recommended. DOMU, located at East End Market in Orlando’s Audubon Park Garden District, has received a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.
Read also: Student Backpack Buying Guide
Historical Context of AAPI Organizations
In the 1960s, Asian American students organized rallies and sit-ins to improve access to higher education. During the 1970s, Asian American student organizations were established to address specific needs and concerns, such as the Yale University Asian American Students Association (Yale AASA), established in 1969. The first East Coast Asian American student conference, "Asians in America," took place at Yale in April 1970.
APIKC's Evolution and Growth
The APIKC has grown through collaboration, communication, and engagement. NEEED, which led to the formation of Networks and Knowledge Communities, was a collaboration between minority ethnic groups within NASPA. Former APIKC co-chairs have emphasized the importance of collaborating with groups within and outside of NASPA. Communication has been both an important goal and a challenge, leading to the establishment of regional knowledge community chairs. The APIKC has worked to increase the number of APIDA keynote speakers and educational sessions at national and regional conferences.
Mentoring and Community within APIKC
Mentoring is a key aspect of the APIDA community and is celebrated by the APIKC. Founding members and former co-chairs have emphasized the importance of mentoring in pursuing the Student Affairs profession. The APIKC provides a welcoming environment for its members, with the goal of creating a sense of community.
Advocacy and Visibility
The APIKC has increased the visibility of APIDA professionals in higher education by encouraging the selection of APIDA speakers for national and regional conferences. This movement was started by Dr. Amy Agbayani of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in the late 1990s.
Read also: Electrifying Performances
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