CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A virtual kickoff marks the official beginning of the Asian American Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.

 

What You Need To Know

  • The idea of a center has been advocated by Asian American student leaders since the 1990s

  • While there are numerous Asian student groups on campus, the center will have dedicated staff, university resources, and a physical locations on campus

  • Because of COVID-19, the center isn't expected to physically open until next year

  • It'll be open for anyone with an interest in learning more about Asian American cultures and issues


“Students can come in, relax. Do events there, see it as a potential gathering place where people can unite," says Sara Holley, a UNC senior who was an advisor on the campaign to bring the center to campus.

“The Asian American Center isn't just for Asian people who want to explore their identity. It should be for anyone in the community that wants to learn more," says Lynne Chen, also a senior.

It’s something they wish existed when they were freshman.

“I went to one of the most culturally diverse high schools  in the state of North Carolina. Coming from that environment to predominantly white institution that is UNC, it was a bit of a mini culture shock for me,” says Holley, a Charlotte native.

“Coming into Carolina, I had this really strong desire to explore my Asian American identity, but I didn’t know where to go," says Chen, a Cary native.

She found her community on campus by joining an Asian interest sorority. It was the first time she’s had a group of Asian girl friends to connect to about culture, family, and experiences that made her feel out of place, like a lunchbox moment.

"You go to school with something mom and dad packed for you. It's a cultural dish and you open it and other people say it’s gross, it smells bad," Chen says. "Experiencing that as a kid growing up has made me feel a little out of place. Just knowing things I face my whole life, they're real. That’s changed me the most."

Though many Asian student groups exist at UNC, the center will be the first to have a central location with a dedicated staff and university resources devoted to building a sense of support and belonging.

"A place where students, community members can find a home. Somewhere they can connect with their culture and feel more welcome at Carolina," says Brianna Li, the center's co-director of strategic communications.

There's still a lot of ideas in the works for what the center will become. Once it's fully open and running you can expect events, mentoring, programs and help for students who may have trouble finding a community on campus.