A convening and listening session comprises people sharing perspectives, feedback and experiences for an intricate topic without debate or potential interruption.
The first convening and listening session held in Michigan was on April 11 at Michigan State University's Multicultural Center.
The session was hosted by the National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission and co-hosted by the Asian Pacific American Student Organization (APASO). The event signified a potential expansion because the Smithsonian museum would have an additional location.
Inspired by student advocates, the commission agreed to come to MSU after successful outreach from students, which is a historic opportunity for Spartans and Michigan’s greater community. Contributions to shaping the way Asian Pacific American histories are preserved and represented at the national level were celebrated in many ways, including recognition from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer welcoming the commission to the state in a letter.
According to an MSU Student Affairs press release, "The commission is a bipartisan body established by Congress in 2022, which formally launched in June 2025, to examine the feasibility of a new Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. Community leaders, academic professionals and youth from throughout Michigan are encouraged to join and share input on what a potential National Asian Pacific American Museum could look like."
The commission began its national listening tour in October, with regional sessions taking place across the country. After noticing Michigan was not yet included in the tour, Council of Racial and Ethnic Students/Council of Advocacy and Marginalized Students Liaison for APASO and second-year interdisciplinary social sciences student Tony Pham was the initiator for change and began the process with the commission in winter 2025.
Pham hopes students see the significance of the event.
"The main thing I’m really hoping that attendees take away from this event is that they are going to be able to contribute to this national federal initiative and that their voice is directly going into the process of what a new National APA museum would look like. This is such an important part of the process and also contributing to Michigan's own stories into the building of this museum," Pham said.
Officially launched in June 2025, the commission is a bipartisan body established by Congress in 2022, which is overseeing the possibility of a new Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. This potential museum addition to the Smithsonian would be a huge advancement.
As for the asking the commission to come to MSU, Pham says APASO was the first group from Michigan to initiate outreach.
