Twin Ports APIDA Collective celebrates AAPI Month

Baihly Warfield WDIO

Twin Ports APIDA Collective celebrates AAPI Month

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and there is a collective in the Twin Ports called the APIDA, or Asian Pacific islander Desi American that shares cultural experiences.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, and the Twin Ports APIDA Collective is celebrating accordingly.

APIDA stands for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American. The group exists to build solidarity, awareness, and equity.

“We have really worked at doing presentations out in the community, building connections with area colleges, connecting with the APIDA students there to make sure that they’re welcome,” Julie Kim said. “But really sharing cultures together and experiences just to learn more about each other.”

Kim Nordin said a lot of what they do is create a sense of belonging.

“I’m from Duluth, so when I was growing up, it often felt like I was the only Asian person in this entire city,” Nordin said. “But our events bring in over 100 people oftentimes, and it’s just really amazing to see how many of us there are here in this community.”

People can join the Twin Ports APIDA Collective as a member or ally.