Asian diversity focus of event

Speakers, workshops address cultural awareness, racism in community

The Cal State Long Beach Asian Pacific Council is hosting Asian Pacific American Awareness Week which began Monday and will continue through Friday featuring guest speakers, workshops, artwork and food from various Asian cultures.

Organizer for the event and council Chairman, Jana Seng said that the purpose of the week is to promote an awareness of the diversity that exists within the Asian Pacific American community. Also he said he hopes it will address concerns and issues, such as cultural awareness and racism, that are faced by Asian Pacific American students and community members.

"We're so diverse, and yet people lump us together," Seng said. "We're often labeled as the silent minority."

The council is also handing out blue ribbons for students to wear on their clothing this week to show their support of Asian Pacific American awareness.

During the opening ceremonies on Monday, Asian Pacific American Forum chairman and CSULB professor of Asian American Studies Henry Johnson said that the blue ribbons symbolize the struggle of the Asian American program.

Johnson continued by saying that most importantly, "we want the spirit of Asian Pacific Americans in your heart, and in your Asian interactions with all other ethnic and racial groups. We want to be inclusive, not exclusive."

The week-long festivities will conclude Friday evening with the First Annual Asian Pacific American Recognition Ceremony emceed by Vice President of Student Services Alan Nishio, featuring keynote speaker Cal Poly Pomona President Bob Suzuki.