UGA’s Asian-American Student Association has planned several events to celebrate Asian Heritage Month in April. Highlights include an International Field Day, a lecture by former Marine Bruce Yamashita and a keynote address by Miss Georgia (and Miss America runner-up) Monica Pang.
In 1990, U.S. President George H.W. Bush proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Two years later, the enacting legislation was made law. Asian Pacific Heritage Month is still in May, but UGA’s Asian-American Student Association is celebrating in April, to take advantage of students still being on campus.
“If we are able to unite as a bigger and better community, we can achieve a lot more,” said Chen Lin, AASA president.
The month-long observance kicks off with an International Field Day, featuring soccer and other sports at UGA’s Intramural Fields April 1 from 1-4 p.m.
On April 4, the AASA will have informational booths set up at the Tate Student Center plaza from noon-3 p.m. Visitors can learn about the student organization, the month it is celebrating and different Asian cultures.
Alpha Sigma Ro, an Asian sorority, will sponsor the Cultural Infusion Show on April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Tate Student Center’s Georgia Hall. The evening, which features performances of Asian dances and a fashion show, is free, though food will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the charity Kids With Cameras.
On April 7, the AASA will be the sponsor of the regularly held International Coffee Hour at Memorial Hall, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. All students are invited to enjoy Asian food, coffee and casual conversation.
Former Marine Bruce Yamashita will speak about his personal battles against discrimination on April 11 at 7 p.m., in room 102 of the Student Learning Center.
Henna tattoos, origami and food are all part of the cultural fare being offered on Multicultural Day on April 17 at 8 p.m. in the lobby of Oglethorpe House.
The AASA will host the regularly scheduled Corner Talk at Hot Corner Coffee in downtown Athens April 25, 7:30-9:30 p.m. In a laid-back atmosphere, all are invited to discuss American, Chinese and Indian economies and how they affect one another.
The Filipino American Student Association will present an Ethnic Show-an event similar to the Cultural Infusion show in theme, though focused on Filipino culture-April 29, 7-10 p.m., in the Tate Student Center’s Georgia Hall. Tickets are $10.
The month’s celebration ends with Miss Georgia and Miss America runner-up Monica Pang playing piano and delivering the keynote address at an Asian-themed benefit dinner April 30, 7 -9 p.m., in the Tate Student Center’s Georgia Hall. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for all others; proceeds benefit Pang’s charity, America’s Promise.
