About Us

Who We Are

Since the early 90's there has been a push for establishing the Asian and Asian-American/Pacific Islander Studies (AAPIS) Department at Brooklyn College. Although the demand for said department has been ardent, there has been little to no change from the administration’s side. That is where the Asian-American/Pacific Islander Studies Project comes in. Founded by a BC alum and Adjunct Lecturer Cherry Lou Sy, the project strives to foster an environment that allows for inclusion and exposes people to Asian-American and Pacific Islander history to better understand the diversity of our community and push for an academic system that encompasses all people. The year 2021 was seminal in developing this project because of the Atlanta Spa Shootings which added to the heightened fears of Asian-Americans across the country and in our community. Leaving many feeling voiceless and not knowing where and who to talk to about their sentiments. These feelings only sparked a more robust drive for implementing an Asian-American/Pacific Islander Studies Department at Brooklyn College.

Our work is not without allies, the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Transfer Student Research Program (MTSRP) aligns with our goal of advocating for a diverse population within Brooklyn College. While the program focuses on transfer students, it is not limited to such. The program provides students with the necessary resources to partake in a research project to better transition into the Brooklyn College community. AAPIS has benefited from this partnership by facilitating the search for like-minded individuals who support this cause and strive to see the fulfillment of this long-awaited request. The talented individuals from the Fall 2021 MTSRP core group, Joshua Leonard, Bridge Squitire, Niara Johnson, Annie Ho, and Amanda Trinidad, were some of the first to join our cause and the group continues to grow. The Spring 2022 semester had us take in Jason Richter, Rhema Mills, and Bridget Robshaw from the MTSRP core group. In the upcoming Fall 2022 semester, the MTSRP core group will be Xiaoen Liang and Pamela Garcia. Aside from the MTSRP core groups we also have Justin Beristain, Jackie Rodriguez, Jean Chen, and other future members.