QUEENS COLLEGE–The Asian American Community Studies minor is relaunching at Queens College, offering students a deeper understanding of Asian Americans, their history and issues that impact them today.
The minor’s creation was inspired by the student-led activism of the 1960s, which advocated for ethnic studies, racial justice and third world liberation. When the program first began, it aimed to enrich and share the experiences of the Asian American communities in Queens and beyond. It was established through the Asian/American Center, which was led by Professor Madhulika Khandelwal and Hong Wu.
Professor Caroline Hong, director and lead PI, and Professor Soniya Munshi, co-director, have actively worked together to revive the minor and bring a new unique experience for students. Both professors emphasized how 30% of Queens College’s population identifies as Asian American/Pacific Islander, with Queens housing more than half of NYC’s AAPI population.
