NAPA Research Featured in AAARI Symposium 2024
AAARI CUNY Symposium Highlights Legacy and Influence of Asian American Greek-Letter Organizations
New York, NY – The Asian American / Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at the City University of New York held its anticipated symposium on May 17th, 2024. This year’s theme focuses on “Interrogating AAPI identities: intersectional scholarship, organizing, and transformative solidarities.” NAPA presented the evolving role and historical significance of Asian American Greek-Letter Organizations (AAGLOs). This event, featuring work from experts such as Dr. Bryan Dosono, Dr. Bilal Badruddin, Clifford Temprosa, and Elizabeth Kwong, provided a platform to explore the intertwined narratives of belonging, cultural identity, and community engagement among members of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community.
Tracing back to the early 20th century, AAGLOs were established as a response to the systemic exclusion and racial discrimination faced by Asian students on predominantly white campuses (PWIs). Panelists discussed how AAGLOs have transformed over decades into influential bodies that advocate for APIDA communities. The creation of the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association (NAPA) in the 21st century signals this evolution, amplifying collective voices for civic engagement and community-building initiatives such as voter registration with APIAVote.
Dr. Badruddin shared his dissertation research on the connectedness among South Asian members at Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). His research highlights the correlation between ethnic affinity and a sense of belonging among these students, addressing gaps in research related to their cultural and social integration. The findings underscore the importance of AAGLOs as identity-affirming spaces that support both personal and academic growth for Desi/South Asian members.
Dr. Dosono’s dissertation research into digital identity work among Asian Americans on platforms like Reddit further illustrated the challenges and strategies for preserving collective narratives. This includes confronting disruptions that threaten identity discourse and developing alternative archives to safeguard cultural stories from systemic erasure.
The symposium concluded with a call for increased collaboration between student bodies and AAGLOs. Recommendations included joint programming that meets chapter accreditation requirements, shared funding efforts, and cooperative outreach for philanthropic projects. Panelists stressed that partnerships fostered through these organizations build enduring community ties, amplifying advocacy and support for the broader APIDA population.
The AAARI at CUNY serves as a vital space for scholarship on Asian American topics, while NAPA represents a coalition advocating for APIDA communities nationwide. Their combined efforts at events like today’s symposium underscore the rich heritage and transformative power of culturally-based Greek organizations.
###
About NAPA
NAPA organizations set the gold standard for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) fraternities and sororities. In addition to meeting the association’s base standards, NAPA member organizations are exposed to resources and expertise to help them continually improve and be the best they can be. Universities, Greek Councils, and students want the best APIDA fraternities and sororities on campus and they can find them in NAPA.
Contact
Chris Vinzons, Vice Chair of Communications
National APIDA Panhellenic Association
communications@napa-online.org