RCC Hosts Inaugural AAPI Arts & Culture Event, Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Through Art, Activism, and Dialogue

On Friday, April 11, Riverside City College proudly hosted its first annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Arts & Culture event, a vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and scholarship. The event was organized by RCC’s Asian Pacific Student Union (APSU) and the Office of the Vice President of Student Services, with support from ASRCC and the RCC Art & Art History Department.

The day brought together a dynamic blend of artists, scholars, and advocates of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, along with students, faculty, staff, and community members from across the Inland Empire.

RCC President Claire Oliveros, PhD, and RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, PhD, offered opening remarks that reflected the college’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural celebration. Their words set the stage for a day filled with inspiration, education, and meaningful conversation.

The event’s first session featured Dr. Kēhaulani Vaughn, a Kanaka ʻŌiwi scholar and associate professor at the University of California, Riverside. In her keynote, Dr. Vaughn discussed the Hawaiian concept of kuleana—a deep sense of responsibility—and how it can shape inclusive spaces in higher education for Pacific Islander students.

A highlight of the afternoon was a powerful panel on AAPI representation in media, moderated by sociologist and author Dr. Nancy Wang Yuen. The panel featured actress Olivia Liang (The CW’s Kung Fu), Alex Chester-Iwata (CEO of Mixed Asian Media), and actor and social media personality Ryan Alexander Holmes. Panelists offered a candid discussion on media visibility, identity, stereotypes, and navigating the entertainment industry as Asian and multiracial individuals.

The program concluded with a moving presentation by Oscar-nominated animation director Erick Oh, who shared his artistic journey and the importance of storytelling through an Asian American lens. Attendees were treated to a screening of two of his award-winning short films, which left a lasting impression with their emotional depth and visual artistry.

The inaugural AAPI Arts & Culture event was met with enthusiastic participation and positive feedback, marking the beginning of a new tradition at RCC—one that uplifts voices, honors culture, and invites the community to reflect, learn, and celebrate together.