SWANA Heritage Month
What Does SWANA Mean?
SWANA is a decolonial and geographical term that represents the various communities located in Southwest Asia and North Africa. Another term used to describe the region is the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The term SWANA has been adopted by the Center for Intercultural Relations and other CSU student organizations to be more inclusive of SWANA communities that may not identify as Arab.
About SWANA Heritage Month
April marks the annual Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month at San Diego State University and coincides with the National Arab American Heritage Month. This heritage month aims to increase awareness about the history, cultures, experiences, contributions, and resiliency of the SWANA community. The SDSU Center for Intercultural Relations, in collaboration with student organizations and community partners, plan educational and celebratory programming and invite faculty, staff, and students to participate in the annual series of events. All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in celebrating and participating in SWANA Heritage Month events are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.
RSVP by visiting our CIR Spring 2025 RSVP Form.
- Tuesday, April 8, 2 - 3pm: MENA Mind Matters: Mental Health with Shireen
- Wednesday, April 9, 12 - 2:30pm: MENA Lounge Grand Opening
- Thursday, April 10, 2 - 3:30pm: Middle Eastern Medical Milestones + SPH
- Monday, April 21, TBD: SWANA Solidarity: Humanitarian Action for Change
- Wednesday, April 23, 12 - 1:30pm: Taste of the Middle East
In addition to attending events this month, we encourage you to visit our MENA Lounge located in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union (Suite 250) or consider joining a student organization that uplifts SWANA community, culture, and heritage.
