By the late 1980s, Emory had admitted a significant Asian American student population but did not have an Asian or Asian American Studies program established. Asian American students wanted to have meaningful discourse about their identity, history, and role in society. Therefore, Asian American students had to organize their own opportunities of learning, and were greatly aided by MSP and other newly developed resources.

The first Asian American Recognition Day was held in 1989. Hosted by a collaboration between administrative and student groups, the event screened the documentary Who Killed Vincent Chin? (1987). The documentary describes the circumstances, motivation, and ultimate murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin. The following open discussion touched on anti Asian violence and Asian Americans’ second-class citizen treatment.

Asian American Recognition Day returned in 1990 and 1991 in the form of a whole week. Both occasions explored how Asian Americans could take a larger role in society and leadership. This short-lived tradition could’ve ended for any number of reasons, whether it be loss of interest, a lack of original themes, or the establishment of a national AAPI history month in 1992.