BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University Bloomington’s 19th annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration will feature an array of events representing the diaspora of cultures across Asia.
“Providing the IU community with an opportunity to honor the vital historical and present-day impact of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, whether on the IU Bloomington campus or throughout the country, is extremely significant,” said James Wimbush, IU vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs, dean of The University Graduate School and the Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “By recognizing their accomplishments, I hope people are inspired to celebrate the accomplishments of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community throughout not only the month but the entire year.”
Beginning with an opening reception Tuesday, March 27, the IU Bloomington campus will host cultural performances, a film series, the fourth annual Indiana Asian American Conference and other activities open to students, faculty, staff and the local community. Themed “Rise: Reframing Asian American and Pacific Islander Narratives,” the celebration will focus on the stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders at IU Bloomington and beyond in an effort to broaden the understanding of their experiences and challenge stereotypical conventions.
Much of the programming is organized and hosted by IU Bloomington’s Asian Culture Center, a program of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, in collaboration with several campus partners. While the nationally recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month occurs in May, IU Bloomington’s celebration occurs every April, so students and faculty can participate before summer break.
“IU Bloomington’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an opportunity for the entire campus to observe, reflect and celebrate the many contributions and, more importantly, learn from the experiences of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said Melanie Castillo-Cullather, director of the Asian Culture Center. “I welcome all members of the IU and local communities to take part in this wonderful IU tradition.”
IU Bloomington’s 2018 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month events include:
- An opening reception, 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 27 at the Indiana Memorial Union’s University Club, hosted by the Asian Pacific American Faculty and Staff Council.
- The fourth annual Indiana Asian American Conference, themed “Reaching New Heights” and hosted by IU’s Asian American Association, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 31 at the School of Global and International Studies. The conference features keynote speaker Jenny Yang, an author and comedian.
- “Movement,” the annual IU Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Film Series hosted by IU Cinema, featuring “Mele Murals” at 7 p.m. April 2, “Motherland” at 7 p.m. April 7 and “Gook” at 6:30 p.m. April 8.
- Beginning April 2, a monthlong display of works by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, at the Bloomington City Hall’s Showers Building, will feature books, poetry and creative artwork.
- The Asian American and Pacific Islander Talent Showcase, 5 to 6 p.m. April 4 at the Indiana Memorial Union Gallery.
- The launch of “Hereabouts: Asian American Midwest Radio,” a collaboration between the Culture Center and WFHB, a Bloomington community radio station, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. April 10, and airing every other Tuesday thereafter.
- “DestinAsian Chicago: Learning on the Road,” a cultural-immersion trip to Chicago on April 13 and 14. About 45 students will explore Chicago neighborhoods where historical events related to Asian American history occurred and meet with local nonprofits involved in civic engagement associated with the Asian American community.
- The Asian Culture Center’s year-end Student Recognition Banquet, an invitation-only reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 celebrating graduating students, Asian and Asian American student leaders on campus and Asian Culture Center volunteers.
A complete listing of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month programming at IU Bloomington is available on the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs’ website.
