Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
"Different Languages, One Voice"
May is designated by the United States Congress as national Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The initiative began in 1977 with a joint resolution by Congress Representatives Frank Horton (R-NY) and Norman Y. Mineta (D-CA) proclaiming the first 10 days of May as Pacific/Asian Heritage Week. In 1992 President George Bush signed the legislation into law designating May of every year as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which the 102nd Congress unanimously approved in the same year.
Since the Loyola academic year typically ends in mid-May, the university celebrates the cultures, contributions and achievements of Asians, Pacific-Islanders and Asian Americans during the month of April. Programs planned recognize and celebrate those of Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry that have made contributions to enrich the history and culture of our country.
Planning for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month begins at the beginning of the second semester. Contact Sharon Chia Claros at sclaros@luc.edu for information about how to get involved.
2009 Events
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Social Justice Dinner/Dialogue Series-Human Trafficking
6pm, Crown Center Auditorium
Featuring our very own Dr. John Donoghue from our History Dept., we will address the global injustice of Human Trafficking and as Loyolans, we will talk about ways to create change within our own sphere of influence. There are over 27 million people in slavery right now in the 21st century. Many of the victims of human trafficking come from Asian countries among others worldwide. Trafficking in persons is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. Annually, about 600,000 to 800,000 people -- mostly women and children -- are trafficked across national borders which does not count millions trafficked within their own countries. Human trafficking is a multi-dimensional threat: it deprives people of their human rights and freedoms, it is a global health risk, and it fuels the growth of organized crime. Find out how you can mobilize with other individuals to help stop human trafficking.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
API Heritage Month Kick-Off: “One Voice” Live Art, Food & Fun *featuring Kelly Tsai
7pm, Crown Center Lobby
Join Def Poet Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai in a spoken word performance that explores Asian American identity, activism, womanhood, hip hop, and global urban realities." KELLY ZEN-YIE TSAI is a Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based Chinese Taiwanese American spoken word artist who fights for cultural pride and survival through how she spits and how she lives. Touring extensively worldwide, she has featured at over 300 shows across the continental United States, Hawai'i, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Kenya, and the Netherlands. We will be also auctioning off 4 pieces of art, proceeds will go to YAWP: Young Asians with Power!
Friday, April 3, 2009
“Rural Innovations: Lessons from the Field”
3pm, Crown Center Auditorium
Anil K. Gupta is a Professor from India currently researching and dealing with issues on ethical issues in conservation and prospective of biodiversity and global, national, and local space availability. His mission is to demonstrate the potential of knowledge rich economically poor people in taking developing societies out of mediocrity and on a path of sustainable progress. Sponsored by SASA, AMSA, and Dept. of Student Diversity.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Good Asian Drivers
7pm, Galvin Auditorium
Good Asian Drivers aim to increase queer Asian-American visibility in the United States and serve as a positive role model. This social mission, along with an undeniably entertaining performance and a reputation for being personable and approachable, makes the Good Asian Drivers a duo that must be placed on everyone’s radar. The Good Asian Drivers broke into the national spotlight in 2008 when transgender slam poet Kit Yan and lesbian songwriter Melissa Li launched an unforgettable cross-country tour, playing in over 30 states in 12 weeks. Join Good Asian Drivers as they address GLBT rights, issues related to the transgender community, feminism, Asian-American struggles, and the marginalization of minorities through fierce lyrics and powerful poetry. Sponsored in conjunction with Hate Crimes Awareness Month.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
COPAA’s Fashion Show: “Spotlight”
7pm, Rambler Room
Join the Council of Pan Asian Americans in their annual Fashion Show. Scenes and outfits from different seasons, cultures, classes, and styles. We’re putting the “Spotlight” on up-and-coming Asian American designers! Enjoy a night of hot fashions and fun dance performances.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Village Cafe
4:30pm, Zips
Are Asian/Pacific Islander Americans “THE NEW WHITE”? Are Asian/Pacific Islander Americans “THE MODEL MINORITY?”… Yes, no, maybe so… Or how are Asian/Pacific Islander Americans depicted and portrayed in the media? Come, grab some grub, and discuss these issues with your peers. FOOD PROVIDED!!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Color of Queer Series: Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros
7:30pm, Bremner Lounge
An official selection of the Sundance Film Festival, this movie talks about the life of Maximo Oliveros, a 12 year-old gay Filipino who lives on the slum streets of Manila. Maximo plays the happy homemaker for his rough but loving band of petty thieves who run a small-time racketeering business. Domestic bliss is soon interrupted when a hunky new cop arrives in town, sparking a close friendship that quickly turns into puppy love. Tensions soar as this crush is seen as a threat to their delicate balance in this captivating coming-or-age tale that shimmers with raw and endearing insight.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thai New Year
5pm, Bremner Lounge
Songkran, the Thai New Year, is celebrated every year from April 13-15. The New Year is usually a time to pay respect to your elders, including family members and neighbors. The day consists of going to the temple to pray, give food to monks and cleanse Buddha images as this will bring good luck and prosperity. The holiday is mainly celebrated by splashing buckets of water on family, friends, and even strangers since this holiday occurs during the hottest time of the year in Thailand.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Japanese Tea Ceremony
7pm, McCormick Lounge
The Japanese Tea Ceremony, also known as “Chanoyu,” is a highly formal and ritualized ceremony which has been performed by the Japanese for many centuries. Our presentation will be led by Nakashima Sensei, the premier Grand Tea Master of North America. It will include the performance of a tea ceremony as well as an explanation of it.
Tuesday, April 14 & 21, 2009
Movie Showing & Discussion of Gran Torino
7pm, Finnegan Auditorium
Walt Kowalski is a widower, grumpy, tough-minded, borderline-hateful, unhappy old man who can't get along with either his kids or his neighbors, a Korean War veteran whose prize possession is a 1973 Gran Torino he keeps in cherry condition. When his neighbor Tao, a young Hmong teenager, tries to steal his Gran Torino, Kowalski sets out to reform the youth. Drawn against his will into the life of Tao's family, Kowalski is soon taking steps to protect them from the gangs that foul their neighborhood. Starring Clint Eastwood. Watch the portrayal of Asians and family values in the media.
Thursday, April 16 & Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Movie Showing & Discussion of Slumdog Millionaire
7pm, Finnegan Auditorium
Winner of five Critics' Choice Awards, four Golden Globes and seven BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, and has been nominated for ten Academy Awards, Slumdog Millioniare is a drama exposing the tragic effects of poverty in gigantic Indian cities like Mumbai that is also fused with a modern day Indian fairytale. Jamal Malik is a young man on India's "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" and is a question away from one million dollars when he's arrested on suspicion of cheating. Because Jamal is from the slums of India and has no educational background, it seems entirely improbable if not impossible that Jamal could make it this far, but each question is connected with distinct and sometimes painful memories for Jamal. It's as if he is destined to win, even though he only went on the show to impress a girl he has loved his whole life, Latika.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Stir Friday Night
5pm, LSB Auditorium
Stir-Friday Night!, created in 1995, has become a fixture in Chicago’s illustrious comedy scene. The diverse cast of Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Filipino, and Korean-American artists write and perform their own material. SFN! is a non-profit theater company that dispels stereotypes and bridges understanding among the various social, racial, and intergenerational groups. The Chicago Tribune has described SFN! as “quick and hilarious”, the Chicago Reader raves that SFN! is “sharp, intelligent and wickedly funny . . . with the speed and grace of Second City”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
API Heritage Month Closing: Continuing the Harmony
5:30pm, CFSU Lobby
As a month filled with celebration and awareness comes to an end, our culture continues to live on through our actions. Come and join the festivities that have been tradition to Loyola and its Asian/Pacific Islander community. This outdoor event will bring everyone together with food, games, and cultural performances by Loyola's very own Asian/Pacific Islander organizations. Bring a friend, enjoy the different tastes, and be part of one world. As a stress reliever for the upcoming finals week, we will also be having massage therapists as well as henna artists.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Santa Cruzan
6:30-10p, Madonna Della Strada / CC Lobby
Santa Cruzan is an annual celebration in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The roots of this celebration come from the Spanish-Moors and Malaysians, occurring at the beginning of the raining season in the Philippines when the flowers are in bloom. Current members of Kapwa dress up to reenact and partake in this procession that tours the holy statues in Madonna Della Strada. Following the procession is a mass celebrating the Virgin Mary. After the mass, a reception will be held in Crown Center Lobby.
API Heritage Month is brought to you by the API Heritage Month Planning Committee, Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Student Activities, COPPA, SASA, KAPWA, Thai Club, Japanese Club, the Wellness Center, and APPLE.
API Heritage Month 2009 is brought to you by the API Heritage Month Planning Committee, Department of Student Diversity & Multicultural Affairs, Student Activities, COPPA, SASA, KAPWA, Thai Club, Japanese Club, the Wellness Center, and APPLE.