Purdue's Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center to observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center has planned several April events to observe Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.

AAPI Heritage Month is officially observed in May, but the AAARCC celebrates it in April before the spring semester ends, said Victoria Loong, AAARCC interim director.

The events, which are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, include:

* Tuesday (April 5). 4:30 p.m. Krannert Auditorium. "Unpacking South Asian Identity Through Research and Advocacy." Reema Kapur of the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute will discuss undocumented South Asian immigrants and violence against South Asian retail workers in the Midwest.

* April 10. 6 p.m. Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms. Spring Luau. In collaboration with the Purdue Hawai'i Club and other campus partners, the event will feature authentic food, entertainers from Hawai'i and activities such as lei-making and basket weaving. Also featured will be Kealoha, the first poet laureate of Hawai'i and AAARCC Poet Series guest; ukulele player Taimane; Kap Tafiti, a fire knife dancer; and Chicago Halau, a hula school. Email aaarcc@purdue.edu for ticket information and prices.

* April 11. 6 p.m. Stewart Center's Loeb Playhouse. "Straight from the Islands." A night of traditional Polynesian entertainment will feature fire knife dancing by Tafiti, a ukulele performance by Taimane and dance performances by the Purdue Hawai'i Club.

* April 20. 6 p.m. Purdue Memorial Union Anniversary Drawing Room. Film screening of "Off the Menu: Asian America." The film explores what food reflects about Asian Pacific Americans. Producer Eurie Chung will facilitate the screening, which also will feature Asian Pacific food. The event is free but, due to limited seating, those planning to attend are asked to register at aaarcc@purdue.edu.

* April 21. 3-4 p.m. Location to be determined. AAPI Poster Session. A collection of Purdue graduate and undergraduate research posters from a range of disciplines explore the different aspects of Asian and Asian American populations.

* April 26. Time to be determined. Stewart Center, Room 206. "Pop-up Gallery: Corky Lee." An interactive pop-up exhibit featuring photos of Asian American political history by Corky Lee will be featured. Attendees will be able to vote on the top 10 photos for Lee to discuss.

* April 27. 6 p.m. Purdue Memorial Union West Faculty Lounge. Inaugural AAARCC Spring Banquet. The AAARCC will celebrate its first year on campus with a banquet featuring Lee as the guest speaker. Due to limited seating, those planning to attend should email aaarcc@purdue.edu to RSVP. 

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu 

Source: Victoria Loong, 765-496-0464, vloong@purdue.edu