Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month
Throughout the Month of May
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month is celebrated throughout the month of May. In 1978, Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May because of two important anniversaries: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869. In 1990, this week was later expanded into a month-long celebration. Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month is a celebration of the culture, traditions, and history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Join ICA as we explore and experience ways to celebrate, engage, and learn about the rich culture of our APIDA community all month long. Follow @ICA_tamucc on Instagram.
Schedule of Events
April 19 – Distinguished Speaker: Simon Tam
UC Anchor Ballroom | 4:00PM
When Simon Tam started an Asian American dance rock band called The Slants, he didn't realize that he was starting an entire movement around freedom of expression and discussions on identity. The band flipped stereotypes with their bombastic live shows and community activism. But when Simon applied to register a trademark on the band's name, the government dragged him all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States.
This is the story of an indomitable spirit who so believes in the idea of justice that he's willing to risk everything along the way for the dignity of self-identity. Simon will share a deeply personal account that will take you to the halls of the Supreme Court, all in the name of justice. The story provides a raw look at our legal system with unflinching honesty and offers timely insights on freedom of speech, how to connect with others we disagree with, and the power of music.
Enjoy this free dynamic presentation of storytelling and live music.
April 19 – ICA’s Spring Bash
Momentum | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join the Islander Cultural Alliance as we host our first Spring Bash! There are different types of celebrations around the world expressed to welcome spring. ICA will have an Egg Hunt in observance of Easter, a water event in observance of Thailand's Songkran, and Lei making in observance of Hawaii's Lei Day. Come enjoy some fun activities, prizes, free food, and good music!
FMI: ICA@tamucc.edu
April 24 – Korean Art and Culture with Fullbright Professor Esther Kho from South Korea
Legacy Hall | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Join us on April 24th for a presentation that will broaden your understanding of Korean traditional, Modern, and Postmodern and Contemporary art.The talk will examine masterpieces of the Korean Three Kingdom Period, The Unified Silla, Koryo, the Joseon Periods, and Japanese Colonial Era to the Republic of Korea. Drawing on diverse traditional, modern, postmodern, and contemporary Korean art and cultural relics as well as artists' works, her talk addresses the emergent question in the contexts of multiculturalism and globalization, "what is Korean art?"
Fulbright Professor Esther Eunsil Kho teaches Art Criticism Theory at Hongik University and Seoul National University.
April 26 – ICA’s Spam Musubi
Momentum Phase 2 Club House | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Join the Islander Cultural Alliance as we show students how to make Spam Musubi! A traditional snack found in mom-and-pop shops all over Hawaii, Guam, and Hawaiian Barbecue restaurants in the mainland United States. Seats are limited so make sure to RSVP through I-Engage, students attending will get free take-home gifts to make Spam Musubi at home!
FMI: ica@tamucc.edu
April 28 - K-Pop Zumba with Victoria
Dugan Izzy | 5pm - 6pm
Come join a member of K-Pop Club, Victoria as she leads a K-pop Zumba class! Zumba is an interval workout with high and low intensity dance moves that raise your heart rate and boost cardio endurance!
May 2 – Mochi Making Classes with the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Educational Center
Mary & Jeff Bell Library | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Chances are you’ve tried or at least heard of mochi. If you’ve tried mochi, you know the sweet dough is the perfect complement to its tasty center. Join one of seven available Mochi Making classes where you'll learn about this popular dessert in under an hour. Did we mention it’s free!? Just be sure to RSVP so you don't miss out!
Thank you to our sponsor!
