Celebration of Asian American culture planned

Grand Valley will host the annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Celebration from January through March. 

The events, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and designed by the AAPI Heritage Celebration Committee, will highlight the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and address various forms of oppression in a cultural context. 

Connie Dang, chair of the AAPI Heritage Celebration Committee, said the celebration focuses on embracing the unique voices and experiences that are part of American's narrative. 

"As national demographics have changed, institutions of higher education experienced an increase of students from different racial ethnic communities," Dang said. "These events celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse groups in America."

Asian New Year Festival: January 28, 6 p.m.

"Every year this event brings in close to five hundred people because it offers a social and cultural gathering for the community to sample Asian food and enjoy the traditional dragon performance, a variety of ethnic dances and entertainment," said Dang. 

The Racial Realities of Asian American in Higher Education: February 8, 4 p.m.

Samuel D. Museus, associate professor of higher education and student affairs at Indiana University, will explore the various ways in which Asian Americans are racialized in contemporary U.S. higher education and society, and the impact these racial realities have on their experience. 

"Arrival" Screening: February 9, 4 p.m.

In collaboration with the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, a special screening will take place of the short film "Arrival" by director and animator Alex Myung. The film, which is based on Myung's past relationships, portrays a LGBTQ couple. After the screening, Myung will host a Q&A session. 

A complete list of events and sponsors can be found at www.gvsu.edu/oma. 

- written by Lucas Escalada, student writer