About APIDA Tulsa

Throughout history, terminology and acronyms used to describe the Asian American population have changed and continues to evolve. Terms like Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Asian Pacific American (APA), Asian Pacific Islander (API), and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) today are widely known and accepted. 

The term Asian American was originally coined in 1968 by students of Asian heritage in Berkeley, California with the intent of unifying their efforts for political and social recognition.1 In the 1990s, AAPI started being formally used by the U.S. Census. Since 2010 a newer term, Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA), was used to include South Asians.2

We use the term APIDA as a way of intentionally including South Asians as part of the community. This term recognizes the diverse range of identities and ethnicities that are encompassed under the APIDA umbrella, including East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander.

"Desi" comes from the Sanskrit word "Desh" meaning "country"3 and is meant recognize the importance of South Asian representation within the community. It acknowledges the history and shared experiences of people with roots in the countries, states, jurisdictions, and diasporic communities of these geographic regions. This inclusivity is essential for building a cohesive and united community that can work together to address common challenges and obstacles.