Celebrating Filipino American History Month

"Tuloy Po Kayo"

Oct. 4, 2023

Dear campus community,

Just over three decades ago in 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) first introduced October as Filipino American History Month with a formal resolution from the FANHS National Board of Trustees. The U.S. Congress later formally recognized October as Filipino American History Month in 2009.

This month-long celebration is intended to commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. That occurred more than four centuries ago on Oct. 18, 1587, when Filipino sailors, then called “Luzones Indios,” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza when it landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, north of Los Angeles and near San Luis Obispo.

This year, our own Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) has chosen “Tuloy Po Kayo” as the theme for our 2023 celebration. This phrase in Tagalog is used to invite someone into your home. Its translation is “Please come in!” I believe that this theme powerfully emphasizes and reinforces our University’s value of being an inclusive and welcoming community. Throughout this school year, Andrews University, through the efforts of the Office of University Culture & Inclusion and cultural clubs, including AFIA, will seek to provide opportunities for fellowship and building community through activities and events for the Andrews University family.

Here at Andrews University, we are grateful for our own Andrews Filipino International Association (AFIA) leadership for its work in putting together the following Filipino American History Month events for our Andrews University community that will help recognize and celebrate Filipino history and culture.

We invite you to join us at these events—“Tuloy Po Kayo”/“Please come in!”

Oct. 14: AFIA Sabbath
11:30 a.m., Michiana Fil-Am SDA Church
8454 Kephart Lane, Berrien Springs
Church service and potluck

Oct. 19: Kinetic Worship
7:30 p.m., University Towers Auditorium
Residence hall cocurricular credit and Filipino food

Oct. 21: AFIA Aunties’ Potluck
After church at Michiana Fil-Am SDA Church
Potluck at various locations at the AFIA Aunties’ houses

Oct. 28: Pickleball Tournament
Time TBD, Johnson Gym
Pickleball and prizes

Oct. 31: Filipino American History Month Tuesday Choice
11:30 a.m., Location TBD
Various Filipino games/dances and a short talk

You can find out more about these and additional Filipino American History Month events on the Andrews Agenda Upcoming Events calendar at this link.

Sincerely,

Danielle Pilgrim
Interim Chief Diversity Officer