Asian Cultural Celebration 2022
Our Strong Spirits: AAPI Pride and Power
Lions are powerful icons throughout Asian and Pacific Islander culture. The first introduction of the lion came through Persia and the Silk Road. Shíshī, or guardian lions, symbolizes strength and courage in Chinese culture. In Japanese culture, protective komainu were built in various locations ranging from high schools to the Kono Shrine in Kyoto. The Lion of Keanakolu stands as one of the native Hawaiian symbols representing power and prestige. Although unique to one of their respective cultures, these lions share the traits of pride and pan-Asianism. The lion is a figure that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can embrace to heal and grow from the wounds of the past few years. Taking pride in their identities, the AAPI community highlights their contributions to American society. 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.
Taste of Asia
Sunday, Oct. 23 | 4 pm | Chandler Ballroom, 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.
Panel Discussion on the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community
Monday, October 24 | 6:00 pm | Chandler A/B, University Center
Join UMW faculty and the DMV and local community members for a discussion on AAPI history, culture, and experiences within the US, and how to expand education and build allyship among each other. The panel will include members representing Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino communities.
Asian Cultural Dinner
Wednesday, October 26 | 5 pm | Dining at the Top of the UC, University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan is one meal swipe or $11.75 Flex. The cost for EagleOne or credit card purchase is $14.00. Co-sponsored by Campus Dining
Asian cuisine is comprised of several regional cuisines throughout the continent, including East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, etc. Join the Asian Student Association and Campus Dining for an Asian Cultural Celebration Dinner at the Top of the UC. The menu will feature Filipino, Indian, Malaysian, Vietnamese and Polynesian dishes! Before you leave, check out the celebration display and receive additional information about upcoming events.
Asian Cultural Celebration Major Performer: Di Dim Sae Korean Traditional Art Institute
Thursday, Oct. 27 | 7 pm | Dodd Auditorium, George Washington Hall
Di Dim Sae Traditional Art Institute was established to embody Korean traditions of dance and performance. The group strives to enrich and preserve the cultural arts integral to Korea’s profound history as a nation. Led by director Soo Kyung Jung, the group performs primarily in Northern Virginia, serving as the most recognizable group of Korean traditional performers in the area. They have performed at many venues and festivals in Washington D.C., such as the Lunar New Year celebration and the Red Eye festival, and most notably the Korean Cultural Center as well as the White House. Director Jung also organizes the annual cultural festivals at both Fairfax and Centreville High School, where students get to participate in Korean arts training for an end of the year performance. The ensemble has a multitude of performances in their repertoire, such as the Samul nori and Nanta drum percussion, as well as Seungmu and Salpuri traditional dance.
Movie Night: Slaying the Dragon
Friday, October 28 | 6:30 pm | Combs Hall, room 139
“Slaying the Dragon” is a comprehensive look at media stereotypes of Asian and Asian-American women since the silent era. From the racist use of white actors to portray Asians in early Holly wood films, through the success of Anna May Wong’s sinister dragon lady, to Suzie Wong and the ‘50s geisha girls, to the Asian-American anchorwoman of today, this fascinating videotape shows how stereotypes of exoticism and docility have affected the perception of Asian-American women (Credit: Kanopy).
Karaoke and Game Night
Saturday, October 29 | 7 pm | Digital Auditorium, Hurley Convergence Center
Join us for a fun night of karaoke and games to end the week-long celebration! There will be free prizes and refreshments for all. To reserve a group table, contact the Asian Student Association at umw.asa@gmail.com.
UMW continues to monitor campus, local, and statewide COVID-19 data and has instituted protocols to protect our campus community. These protocols include requiring proper mask wearing while indoors, obtaining contact information from event attendees for contact tracing, and requesting that the University be notified of any positive COVID test within 14 days of attending an event at UMW. The University may also implement additional restrictions if cases increase on campus or in the region including, but not limited to, requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative test, reducing occupancy limits at events, or restricting attendance to UMW community members only. We encourage you to check our website for updates prior to arriving to campus for a scheduled event.
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.