Asian Cultural Celebration 2023
“The Global Impact of the AAPI Community”
The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is full of diverse cultures that have unique experiences, stories, and programs. From Asia’s 40+ countries to the Pacific Islands and to the AAPI communities within other countries, the AAPI community has impacted so much of the world. The AAPI community’s experiences have led to positive initiatives and inspirations in the world through community building, diversity, and preservation.
Such initiatives and inspirations include the work of UMW alumnus Shin Fujiyama with One Thousand Schools, Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh’s inspiring speeches and career, Northern Virginia activists preserving the Vietnamese community at the Eden Center, broader initiatives to preserve nature due to its value in many AAPI cultures, and many more.
Taking pride in their identities, the AAPI community highlights their contributions to American society and the world. Join the Asian Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center to celebrate culture and traditions through various programs that include educational seminars, entertainment and food.
Asian Cultural Celebration Keynote Performer: Washington Mom Dance Group
Sunday, Oct. 29 | 7 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
The Washington Mom Dance Group was established over 20 years ago by Ms. Xiaoqin Zheng, a renowned choreographer in the Washington DC area. The group has performed Chinese folk dances on a variety of stages in the DC area in the past 20 plus years. Ranging from software engineers, to entrepreneurs, to full-time moms, the dancers offer a wide array of backgrounds.
Panel Discussion on the AAPI Community and Building a Broader Coalition
Monday, October 30 | 6:00 pm | Chandler A/B, Cedric Rucker University Center
Join UMW faculty and local community members for a panel on AAPI history, culture, and experiences, and building allyship among each other.
Arts and Crafts
Tuesday, October 31| 5 pm | Digital Auditorium, Hurley Convergence Center
Join the ASA club for a laid-back night of making various AAPI arts and crafts. There will be music, snacks, and lots of fun to have! Directions will be provided for the activities and ASA members will be ready to help out.
Movie Night: Whale Rider
Wednesday, November 1 | 6:30 pm | Combs Hall, room 139
Join ASA for a movie showing, featuring “Whale Rider.” Whale Rider is a contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize (Credit IMDb).
Asian Cultural Dinner
Thursday, November 2 | 5 pm – 8 pm | Dining at the Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan is one meal swipe. For other prices please check the University Dining website: https://umw.sodexomyway.com/
Co-sponsored by Campus Dining
University Dining, in partnership with the Asian Student Association (ASA), is hosting a special, premium dinner to celebrate the rich and vibrant cuisines of diverse Asian cultures. The menu will include dishes from many Asian countries, including China, Korea, Japan, India, Thailand and Malaysia. Guests will also have an opportunity to talk with members of ASA about Asian cultures and the special events they have planned for the Asian Cultural Celebration week. For additional information, please e-mail Dining@UMW.edu
Taste of Asia
Saturday, November 4 | 4 pm | Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost information: $3 for UMW students, faculty and staff; $5 for the general public; or three canned food items.
Sponsored by the Asian Student Association.
Taste of Asia is an annual celebration of Asian culture. This popular event provides both entertainment and education, as Asian culture and lifestyle are presented through a fashion show, dance performances, and an array of ethnic foods.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at 540/654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. Visit students.umw.edu/multicultural.
Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.