Missouri State University will celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout April.
Missouri State University will celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout April. The celebration is intended to educate the campus and community about the many traditions and histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through workshops, lectures and entertainment.
“I hope people will learn that there are several ethnicities within the Asian population, each with its own culture and language”
said Sheila Her, president of the Asian American Pacific Islander organization.
“We have a variety of fun and educational activities throughout the month of April that are sure to create cultural awareness.”
Asian Pacific American Month events include:
April 6 and 22
Learn an Asian Dance Craze will take place from 1-3 p.m. in Plaster Student Union, Room 315. This is a chance to learn what dance craze is going on in Asia.
April 8
Asians Rock: “What’s your Story?” will take place from 7-9 p.m. in Plaster Student Union, Room 313. Different professionals and students will share their stories and experiences as Asian Americans.
April 13
Asian Languages Night will take place from 6-8 p.m. in Plaster Student Union, Room 308. This workshop is a chance to learn how to speak an Asian language.
April 14
Asian Game Night will take place from 7-9 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Food Court. The night will feature the opportunity to learn how to play games that originated in Asia.
April 27
The Art of Chopsticks will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Food Court. This is a chance to learn how to use chopsticks, make origami and write calligraphy.
April 28
The movie “Chocolate” will be shown at 9 p.m. in the Plaster Student Union Theater. Zen is an autistic woman who finds that she has an extremely developed sense of muscle memory and when she sees martial arts in action she mimics them perfectly. She uses her newfound skills to settle her ailing mother’s debts by seeking out the ruthless gangs that owe her family money.
May 1
Oriental Express will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Kentwood Ballroom. This extraordinary train is taking you to Asia, where you’ll be greatly entertained and eat fine cuisine. Tickets go on sale at noon Monday April 5 at Plaster Student Union. Tickets are $5 for students, faculty, and children under 12 and $7 for adults.
“Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month is a continuous reminder for all of us to remember those who helped paved the way to get Asians to America, as well as, being able to celebrate diversity,”
said Her.
All events are free (except Oriental Express) and open to the public. For more information or to buy a t-shirt to help support the month, contact Her at (417) 380-0250.