PAHM or FAHM?: A Community Discussion

Amid a shifting cultural landscape, the USF Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program (YPSP), in collaboration with Kasamahan at USF, adopted the term "Pilipinx American History Month" (PAHM) in 2016 to replace the national "Filipino American History Month" (FAHM). This change was made to promote inclusivity of gender and linguistic differences, as well as to recognize the impact of colonialism on everyday terminology and identity. However, in recent years, a growing conversation among students and activists has emerged around reverting to FAHM by dropping the "p" and "x" in "Pilipinx."

To address these diverse perspectives, YPSP and Kasamahan are hosting a community dialogue exploring the histories, meanings, and cultural significance of these terms. A panel of scholars and current USF students will share their insights, with some advocating for the preservation of PAHM, others promoting a return to FAHM, and some suggesting alternative approaches. Following the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a town hall-style discussion, where USF community members can voice their opinions on the name of the month moving forward after October 2024.

This important event will foster understanding and dialogue as we navigate a USF and global debate on Pilipinx/Filipinx and Pilipino/Filipino identity. We invite you to join us in this discussion, share your perspectives, and contribute to this evolving conversation.

Panelists Include:

• Faculty Panelists:
  • Dr. Thomas X. Sarmiento (Director of Undergraduate Studies & Associate Professor of English, Kansas State University)
  • Dr. MT Vallarta (Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo)
  • Lily Ann Villaraza (Department Chair of Philippine Studies, City College of San Francisco)
• Student Panelists:
  • Brianna Hailey Billano (USF Second-Year Student, Majoring in Chemistry and Minoring in Math)
  • Samantha Bracamonte (USF Second-Year Honors College Student, Majoring in Politics and Minoring in Legal Studies)
  • Riana Cherie De Veas (USF Fourth-Year Student, Majoring in International Studies with a Concentration in Economics and Asian Studies and Minoring in Business)
• Moderator: Lara Elaine Balajadia, M.Ed. (Filipino Language and Culture Teacher/Reading Interventionist, Bessie Carmichael Middle School/Filipino Education Center)

Join us for this engaging community dialogue as we reflect on our shared heritage and consider how best to honor our collective history.

Hosted by the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program.