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IU to celebrate "A Kaleidoscope of Cultures" during Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
March 28, 2001
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- IU Bloomington will observe Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month throughout April with a series of lectures, presentations, concerts and other events, celebrating "A Kaleidoscope of Cultures."
IU's observance of the month reflects a proclamation signed by former President Bill Clinton on April 29, 2000, designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The purpose of the proclamation (Public Law 102-450) is "to honor the accomplishments of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and to recognize their many contributions to our nation." IU is celebrating the month in April because spring classes conclude on April 28.
"Asian Pacific American Heritage month provides an opportunity for the community to gain an understanding of the diversity of these cultures, and allows us a chance to recognize the significance of their contributions to this country," said Melanie Castillo- Cullather, director of IU's Asian Culture Center.
The celebration will kick off with a formal opening reception on Monday (April 2) from 4-6 p.m. in the University Club at the Indiana Memorial Union. Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez is scheduled to speak at the event.
On April 11, Helen Zia, award-winning journalist and contributing editor at Ms. Magazine, will give a public talk about cross-cultural collaboration for social change. Zia, a longtime social activist, will speak at 4 p.m. at the Pulliam Auditorium in Ernie Pyle Hall.
Additionally, a free concert featuring Asian-American rap artist Tou Ger Xiong is scheduled for April 27 at 8 p.m. in Alumni Hall at the Indiana Memorial Union. Xiong is known as the Asian version of Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey and Snoop Doggy Dog.
A complete listing of the month's events is available on IU's Asian Culture Center Web site at http://www.iub.edu/~acc/programs.html