UCLA Asian American Studies Center

Willis Veluz-Abraham was a student leader at UCLA from 1988-1993. He spent a lot of his time participating in cultural programs in the Cultural Affairs Commission, planning concerts and productions and serving as the Jazz Reggae Festival Director in 1991-1992. He eventually became Cultural Affairs Commissioner in his senior year after being elected into the position by the student body.

After graduating from UCLA, Willis continued to engage in community spaces, leading youth programs and organizing community events and celebrations at the Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church for over a decade including the annual fiesta and a health fair established by three student-led community health organizations from UCLA.

Willis loved to be in community with others wherever he may be, whether it be at work, church, at family gatherings or pursuing a hobby like martial arts, dance and cycling. Tragically, it was while engaging in one of his favorite pastimes that he lost his life. He died in a cycling accident in 2012.

Willis embraced all those he met and had an outlook filled with optimism, joy and fun. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and compassionate man, always with a warm smile and genuine care for others. Willis touched the lives of so many people, bringing them together through his acts of service and love. We hope Willis’s spirit can live on through this award by supporting students in need who exemplify his commitment to community service and community arts.

Please complete the following application and submit by the deadline on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Willis’s Birthday!). Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions. All currently enrolled undergraduate students are encouraged to apply.

The UCLA Asian American Studies Center would like to congratulate our graduating students: Isabelle, Heila, and Coleman! 🥳 We’re so lucky to have them part of the team, and we cherish all the time, energy, and commitment they have all poured into the Center. We are forever grateful for their contributions, and are sending well wishes their way for their bright futures ahead! 🌟

Join us in celebrating the UCLA Activist in Residence Program’s ninth cohort Set Hernandez, José Gama Vargas, Chelsea Kirk, and Chris Tyler!

With a shared commitment to “turn the university inside out” and invite artists, community organizers, and movement leaders to undertake power-shifting scholarship and pedagogy focused on social change, the UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center are pleased to celebrate the 2026 UCLA Activists-in-Residence: José Gama Vargas, Chelsea Kirk, Chris Tyler, and Set Hernandez.

Learn more about each of the UCLA Activists-in-Residence here and please join us to hear about the projects our activists have been involved in over the course of their residencies at this year’s closing reception.

RSVP to the closing reception here: https://2026AIRClosing.eventbrite.com

❗️NEW RESEARCH BRIEF❗️
Asian ICE Arrest, Detentions and Removals: Data and Research Brief Series Updates

This new brief updates our analysis of Asians with more recent data extending to the first part of 2026. Swipe to learn more about the updated data and research pertaining to Asian ICE arrests, detentions and removal from the United States.

Read the full brief now: https://tinyurl.com/38njtymj

aapivoicesasiannews asianamericanstudies

The UCLA Asian American Studies Center is hiring a full time “Publications and Communications Coordinator” to join our team! Applications are due on June 1, 2026 at 8:59pm (PST).

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Director and Deputy Director, the incumbent will oversee the production and distribution of a wide array of published materials, including books, journals, policy reports and digital content. They will collaborate with various units under the Center to ensure that all content aligns with the organization’s standards and objectives. The incumbent will also coordinate the promotion of the Center’s publications, research projects, events and initiatives; handle marketing and branding; oversee press operations; and produce and distribute various communications (e.g. listerv, social media, and website content). Responsibilities include but are not limited to: developing and implementing a marketing and business plan, such as a social media strategy and PR kits for publications, that helps the press unit increase publication distribution and generate revenue; handling permissions on copyrighted materials; developing content and calendars for communications and promotions; developing and writing a bi-weekly web-based e-newsletter, press releases; creation and design of branding and promotions materials (e.g., flyers, ads), social media graphics and copy, and the CrossCurrents newsletter (print and digital). All of these functions will be carried out in close coordination and collaboration with various units within AASC.

Read the full job description and apply here: https://jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/10585

Interested in engaging with multicultural education to organize change in our world 🌎 ⁉️

Join us for an interactive workshop with renowned peace and conflict transformation educator Maya Soetoro! 🕊️🥰

The workshop will be held on Monday, May 11th in Royce 314. Dinner will be provided at🍴4:30pm🍴, and the workshop activity will begin promptly at 5pm 🎉

What does birthright citizenship mean—and why does it matter today?

The 14th Amendment has long shaped our country, and supported the preservation of protecting democracy, justice, and our collective future. Swipe through to learn more about birthright citizenship and preserving the 14th amendment!

Happy Earth Day 🌎

Today and every day, we’re reminded that caring for our planet starts with how we care for one another 💛

How are you showing love to the Earth today? 🌱

AAPIForThePlanet

This April, Foundations and Futures and the UCLA Asian American Studies Center joins in celebrating Arab American Heritage Month by honoring the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Arab American communities across the United States.

Through Foundations and Futures, we remain committed to uplifting diverse histories and fostering deeper understanding across communities. As we celebrate this month, we recognize the importance of visibility, solidarity, and preserving the stories that continue to define our collective futures. ✨

Dr. Celine Parreñas Shimizu, dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and distinguished professor of film, television and digital media, has received the 2026 Outstanding Contribution award in media, performance, and visual studies from the Association for Asian American Studies (AAAS) for her book “The Movies of Racial Childhoods.” The honor — the top prize in the category — was presented at the 2026 AAAS annual conference awards ceremony on April 4th.

Read UCLA Newsroom article: https://bit.ly/41vsGGs