AAPI Heritage Month: From resilience to celebration, law students embrace cultural traditions and heritage
In celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Duke Law spotlights the diverse experiences of four law students.
As May begins, America recognizes a national holiday dedicated to celebrating the AAPI community’s historical and cultural contributions and recognizing their diverse talents and perspectives that enrich this country. The communities honored during AAPI Heritage Month include those with origins in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Vietnam, China, India, and the countries that make up the Pacific Islands.
During this month, Duke Law School commemorates the holiday in highlighting several Asian law students who say they find strength in their cultural traditions and embody resilience toward creating a more inclusive legal landscape.
Student organizations such as the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) and South Asian Law Students Association (SALSA) support this by providing resources that help students navigate law school – academically, socially, and culturally. Both groups offer mentorship opportunities, alum networking, and cultural events during the school year.
APALSA’s “Big Law in a Bite” networking series explores Duke's largest legal markets for corporate work by bringing in alums from these markets to speak with students about their career experiences. This year, the group also hosted guests, including Robert S. Chang JD/MA '92, professor of law at Seattle University School of Law and founder of its Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality, and Justice Carla Wong McMillian, the first Asian Pacific American to serve on a state's highest court in the Southern U.S.
SALSA hosted a number of events, as well, including a conversation between Dean Kerry Abrams and Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The organization has also jointly provided resources for students interested in joining the Duke Law Journal and cultivating inclusivity in these spaces.
Several APALSA and SALSA members spoke about how they celebrate and honor their cultural heritage for AAPI Heritage Month. For some, it's about recognizing and embracing the diverse cultures within the Asian American community. Others say the month is a celebration of resilience and achievement, particularly for immigrants navigating their place in the United States.
Tianyu Wang, from Qingdao, China, is currently co-president of APALSA and has been a part of the Moot Court Board, Mock Trial Board, and Law and Contemporary Problems at Duke. She says AAPI Heritage Month represents a time to reflect on the value of community.
“To me, AAPI Heritage Month is a celebration and recognition of the rich and diverse cultures in the Asian American community,” Wang said. “I believe that it's really important to note and embrace our differences in order to maximize the benefits that diversity can bring."
She says APALSA has been a special part of her time at Duke Law. "APALSA has been an integral part of my law school experience since the very beginning. As a 1L, I felt really supported by the organization and made great friends within it.”
After serving as co-president of APALSA, Wang says she is looking forward to continuing to be a part of the group next year. “This past year, I have had the honor to work with some really amazing people, especially my co-president, Emily Teng, and give back to the community that has given me so much."
In addition to her role as SALSA's VP of Operations, Madhavi Nambiar, of McAllen, Texas, has been involved with the Duke Law Texas Club, the Library & Technology Committee, and the Intellectual Property Law Society. She says SALSA has strengthened and deepened her law school experience.
“In law school, almost everything, from the location to the classes, is completely new. SALSA has always been a comforting and familiar place where we celebrate shared identities and cultural events, like Diwali,” Nambiar said. “SALSA has also provided me with an incredible community of other South Asian law students to connect with and learn from.”
Nambiar spoke about what AAPI Heritage Month means to her and how her cultural experiences have shown her the meaning of triumph. “To me, AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the resilience and achievements of Asian Americans, particularly immigrants, who often must overcome many challenges to establish their place in the U.S. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, this message is especially important to me.”
Alice Song, from Seoul, South Korea, highlights Korean cuisine as one of her favorite ways of celebrating her heritage.
“I celebrate my Korean heritage through food. As I cook for my family and friends, I see it as more than just a meal. For my children, it is an opportunity to help them connect with their cultural heritage, while for my husband, it is a way to relieve nostalgia,” she said.
Song said that cuisine also connects to deeper parts of her culture. “It is also a way for me to share my roots and traditions with friends. Through these culinary experiences, I aim to foster deeper connections, bridging generations and cultures while honoring the traditions that have shaped my identity.”
She also detailed how APALSA has served as an inspiration to her at the law school. “APALSA has been more than just an organization for me; it’s been a cherished support system and community that has consistently motivated me throughout my law school journey. During moments such as my second pregnancy, APALSA members were among the first I confided in,” she said.
“Also, through APALSA, I’ve had the privilege to learn about and connect with a network of accomplished Asian attorneys whose successes have sparked inspiration for me. Whether it’s celebrating milestones or getting through uncertain times, APALSA has consistently been there for me, and I am thankful to everyone who has made it such a welcoming community."
Zan Khan, of Plano, Texas, served as administrative director of SALSA. He has also participated in the Muslim Law Students Association and Texas Club at Duke Law. Khan says his time with SALSA opened up new connections with his peers.
“Law school can be intense, but SALSA has been a place where I've been able to cultivate lifelong friendships. Our shared heritage and the challenges of navigating law school together have fostered a sense of community that will definitely extend after graduation,” he said.
Khan also gives back by mentoring other members in SALSA. “When I first got to law school, the upperclassmen in SALSA were super welcoming and helped us adjust to law school life. Now being a 3L, I've tried to continue that tradition of mentorship through being a resource for the 1Ls and 2Ls.”
Along with the community, Khan noted that unique aspects of his culture help him celebrate his heritage. “Enjoying the food and the music. Food is a huge part of South Asian culture, and sharing a good meal with friends has been a great way to instill that sense of community and celebrate our vibrant heritage,” he said.
“Food and music have also been a great way to share our culture with the broader Duke Law community. Also, Durham has a great selection of South Asian restaurants and I've gotten the chance to try all of them. (Lime and Lemon comes out on top)."