17th Annual Vietnamese Interacting as One Conference, “Through the Reflection”

Every year, the UVSA-Midwest (Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest) hosts the Vietnamese Interacting as One (VIA-1) Conference in a selected state within the Midwest region. As UVSA-Midwest’s largest event, VIA-1 brings together hundreds of individuals from communities from around the region as well as other areas of the country. During this conference, we aim to develop and strengthen the leadership skills of young professionals through workshops and activities, but also encourage them to inspire others to achieve great accomplishments by utilizing the knowledge and skills obtained over this weekend. Through the conference–the Collective Philanthropy Project and other leadership development initiatives–participants can foster their appreciation for Vietnamese culture, take part in the philanthropy project initiatives and make connections that will last a lifetime. This year, VSA at IU is excited to have the 17th annual VIA-1 Conference at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana for the first time. For more information, see via1.org, http://uvsamidwest.org, or contact Sarah Liao at sarah.liao@uvsamidwest.org

Hosted by: Vietnamese Student Association

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Opening Reception

Join us as we kick off the month-long celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at IU Bloomington. Special brief remarks by Elaine Wagner, the first Chinese American City Council member of Columbus, Indiana, and the launching of the video, "20 Questions with the Asian Culture Center" produced by the Office of the Provost.

Hosted by: ACC

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Essay Writing Contest 2019

Deadline for Submission: Friday, May 3, 2019

Essay Prompt: How does the concept of the Asian-American ‘model minority’ affect and/or impact all students studying in the USA?

Description: The essay contest is open to all high schools students who are either enrolled in the Monroe County Community School Corporation, Richland-Bean Blossom, or are homeschooled in these school districts. All participants will be invited to a reception on Monday, May 6 from 5-6 pm at City Hall, 401 N. Morton St. The winners will be announced at this reception and the first-prize winner will read his/her esasy aloud at the event.

For more details, please email acc@iu.edu.

Hosted by: Diversity Club of Bloomington High School South and ACC

Picturing Change, Seeing Continuity: Hmong Story Cloths

“Picturing Change, Seeing Continuity: Hmong Story Cloths” presents textiles created by Hmong Americans, a people of Southeast Asian heritage who largely came to the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s as refugees, following the wake of the Vietnam War. Before coming to the U.S., some Hmong people lived in refugee camps in Thailand. Developed in these camps, story cloths use older textile decoration techniques in a new way to produce works of fabric art that non-Hmong could buy and that would help convey Hmong experiences to them. Those stories were sometimes old tales of the Hmong people, but artists also used these textiles to help viewers understand Hmong customs and the difficult histories that Hmong refugees endured.

Hosted by: Mathers Museum of World Cultures

The Future of Affirmative Action - Harvard University v. Students for Fair Admissions

There is currently a lawsuit pending in the federal courts regarding Harvard University's admissions process and how it harms the ability for Asian Americans to be accepted. The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) is hoping to provide a forum for an intellectual discussion on how this decision can possibly impact the future of our nation. Affirmative Action and admissions not only affects Asian Americans, but also other minorities such as African-Americans, Latinos, and Native-Americans. We are anticipating a discussion with diverse opinions and experiences with this issue, led by the panelists, which include IU Maurer School of Law's former assistant Dean Frank Motley, Professor Steve Sanders, Honorable Judge Jose Rodriguez, and Susan Shan from Keitlinger and Gray in Indianapolis.

Hosted by: ACC and APALSA

Who are Asian American and Pacific Islanders? Part 2: Multi-Racial Perspectives

Have you ever wondered what it's like to grow up multi-racial? Would you like a platform to talk about your experience as someone with multiple heritages? Join us for a moderated panel featuring multi-racial IU student perspectives on identity, parenting, and society. Free lunch provided. Come with questions!

Hosted by: ACC

Indiana Asian American Association Conference

Speakers: Chris Lam and Chris Chyung

Asian American Association at Indiana University - Bloomington is proud to host its 5th annual Indiana Asian American Conference (IAAC). This year features guest speakers Chris Lam, a lead series producer and Chris Chyung, the first Asian-American lawmaker for the state of Indiana. Our conference will also feature two workshops and a complimentary lunch for all attendees. More details about registration and schedule to follow. For more information, contact triplea.iub@gmail.com

Hosted by Asian American Association (AAA)

APA Film Series: Movement, “In the Life of Music,” preceded by “Rupture”

Cambodian American filmmaker Caylee So was born in a refugee camp, raised in Northern Virginia, and is currently based in Long Beach, Calif. She is a founder of the Cambodian Town Film Festival and a recipient of the 2013 Linda Mabalot New Directors/New Visions Award for her short film Pauline at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. In the Life of Music tells a triptych of stories: three chapters, three generations, and three worlds indelibly transformed by the Khmer Rouge. It is an unforgettable exploration of love, war, and a family’s relationship to “Champa Battambang,” made famous by Sinn Sisamouth, the King of Cambodian music. In English and Khmer with English subtitles. Rupture is a film about Morie, a young, pregnant woman living in a small village in Burkina Faso, who has always dreamed of better things for herself. Bound by traditions, Morie’s labor challenges will change the course of three people’s lives forever. In Mòoré with English subtitles.

The Asian Culture Center and the Asian American Studies Program curate Movement: Asian/Pacific America film series as part of Indiana University’s annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. Movement grapples with themes of identity, belonging, and power from the perspectives of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Asian/Pacific diasporic directors, screenwriters, actors, and subjects. The series invites audiences to consider the multifaceted vibrancies and complexities of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Asian/Pacific diasporic individuals and communities. Movement evokes evolution and transformation—both within and beyond Asian/Pacific America. This partnership is supported through IU Cinema’s Creative Collaborations program.

Hosted by: ACC, AAST, Global Popular Music Mellon Platform, IU Cinema

APA Film Series: Movement, “For Izzy”

For Izzy presents a narrative feature drama told in a documentary format and infused with elements of magical realism. Anna, a retired divorcee, and Dede, her lesbian daughter, move next door to Peter, a lonely widowed father to Laura, an adult with autism. Unexpected romance, friendship, and demons emerge as a result. This film is part of the Movement: Asian/Pacific America film series, sponsored by the Asian Culture Center, Asian American Studies Program, Global Popular Music Mellon Platform, and IU Cinema.

Hosted by: ACC, AAST, Global Popular Music Mellon Platform, IU Cinema

What Does it Mean to be a Leader in the Era of Trump, When You Are The Other?

What have your experiences been as a leader on Indiana University's campus at a predominantly white institution? Have you ever felt like people look to you to have all of the answers for your culture, religion, or identities? How has it been being a leader on campus during the era of the Trump administration​? How do these experiences impact your mental health?

Hosted by: La Casa/Latino Cultural Center and School of Public Health: Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Human Library

Join us to share and understand the experiences of others! Human Library events aim to break down stereotypes and preconceived notions humans have about others by having participants (called "Books") volunteer to tell their stories and other participants (called "Readers") have conversations with these Books. 'Books' are students, faculty, and staff who have volunteered to share their experiences centered around discrimination and/or want to break down barriers based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability status, occupation, cultural background, age, gender orientation, ethnicity, social status, lifestyle choices, and other aspects of their life.

Participants who wish to have a two way, interpersonal discussion with a Human Book can set up a 20-minute session with a specific Book at the event. Interested in sharing your story?

Hosted by: Scholars' Commons, Wells Library

DestinAsian 2019: Learning on the Road

DestinAsian Chicago: Learning on the Road” is a collaborative program between the ACC and the RPS Community Education Program. This trip will provide IU students an opportunity to explore the topics of Asian American history, immigration, activism, and the arts through meetings, lectures, and cultural tours. We also hope to establish relationships with AAPI leaders involved with nonprofits, academics, government, and the arts. This is an overnight trip with a refundable deposit of $30.00. All other fees are covered except food. More info

Hosted by: ACC, RPS, CommUnity Education Program, RHA, Office of the Provost, OVPDEMA, AAST, EASC

Shantytown, sponsored by IU Habitat for Humanity

Shantytown is set to be on Sunday April 7th, 2019 from 1PM-3PM in Dunn Meadow. At the event, we will host a simulation where teams of 6-10 people will build dwellings like what you would typically see in a Shantytown. Registration is $5 per person and all money will go towards a house we are sponsoring locally. The purpose of the event is two-fold. One, to educate IU students about the existence of Shantytowns internationally. Two, to demonstrate how resource allocation and different laws/regulations/standards impact the existence of affordable housing. After the actual simulation, students will have a chance to discuss the simulation they took part in. To sign-up: click here

Hosted by: IU Habitat for Humanity

APA Film Series: Movement, “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A”

Drawn from a cache of personal videos from the past 22 years, the Sundance award-winning Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. is a startling profile of the critically acclaimed M.I.A., chronicling her remarkable journey from refugee to immigrant to global phenom. Matangi / Maya / M.I.A. provides unparalleled, intimate access to the artist in her battles with the music industry and mainstream media en route to becoming one of the most recognizable, outspoken, and provocative voices in music today. In English and Tamil with English subtitles. This film is part of the Movement: Asian/Pacific America film series, sponsored by the Asian Culture Center, Asian American Studies Program, Global Popular Music Mellon Platform, and IU Cinema.

Hosted by: ACC, AAST, Global Popular Music Mellon Platform, IU Cinema

APIDA Heritage Month Artist Showcase

Join the Community Education Program for an evening of celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month! We will be showcasing visual and performing arts from APIDA artists at IU. Food will be provided! Contact Ariana Cavallini at acavalli@iu.edu for more information on how to submit art or perform at the event.

Hosted by: RPS CommUnity Education Program

Fireside Chat: from an AppalAsian poet

Lisa Kwong, an AppalAsian (an Asian from Appalachia) writer, will come to share about identity and family history through poetry reading and discussion.

Hosted by: Collins Living Learning Center

Dhar India Studies Info Session and Cooking Demo

Come and learn about the academic offerings, scholarships, and study abroad opportunities at Dhar India Studies Program over a cooking demonstration and lunch! Our guest demonstrator is Kashika Singh, who will prepare Chana masala with hash browns, a popular Indian street food dish.

Hosted by: Dhar India Studies Program

Fridate: Myanmar Student Association

This will be a mini-cultural event featuring the rich diversity within Myanmar culture and an opportunity for everyone to be engaged in MSA’s philanthropic activities.

Hosted by: ACC and the Myanmar Student Association

Race in Food?: Exploring Racism in the Food Industry

This special workshop and film screening will explore what actions Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are taking to tear down race and racism in the food industry, with a focus on Filipino Americans. A film screening of the nominated 2018 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature “ULAM: Main Dish” will be shown, followed by a brief discussion of how the film combats racial disparity and oppression in the Filipino communities (e.g., business, hospitality, food, public health). The “ULAM: Main Dish” is the world’s first food documentary following the rise of the Filipino food movement. The workshop seeks to build and empower Asian communities and to facilitate a cross-cultural dialogue within and between participants that we have more commonalities than differences. Light refreshments will be served. This session will be moderated by Roy Y. Chan, special projects coordinator of IU 21st Century Scholars Program & Ph.D. candidate at the School of Education, Indiana University Bloomington.

Hosted by: IU 21st Century Scholars Program

Hoosier to Hoosier: Experiences of Asian American & Pacific Islander Hoosiers

Join us for a panel discussion with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) IUB students. The panelists will talk about the diversity within the AAPI community. In addition, they will address common issues and concerns affecting AAPIs including model minority myth, perpetual foreigner stereotype, microaggressions, and will share some of their own experiences as AAPIs in Indiana. Free pizza included! Co-sponsored by the School of Public Health LLC.

Panelists: Keiko McCullough is a PhD student in counseling psychology and the graduate assistant of the Asian Culture Center; John Chen is a fourth-year IUB student majoring in Neuroscience. Outside of classes, he is the President of Indiana Model United Nations and conducts research at IU's Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Center; Dillon Tautunu Smith is a Ph.D student in linguistics and an associate instructor in East Asian Languages and Cultures; and Ariana Cavallini is a senior and studying Psychology and Speech and Hearing Sciences. Ariana will be heading to IUPUI in the fall to begin the MSW program. She is from Indianapolis and identifies as Filipino American.

Hosted by the ACC and the School of Public Health LLC

Holi

Come celebrate Holi with us and with your friends! We will have a lot of colorful powder for you during this unique cultural experience. Holi, which means the ‘festival of colors,’ is a very important spring festival in Indian culture. The celebration marks the spread of love and joy over hatred. Come join the fun of throwing colors and wear something you don’t mind getting some colored powder on!

Hosted by: Indian Student Association and the ACC

End of the Year Student Recognition Banquet

The Student Recognition Banquet is a three-in-one annual celebration held to recognize graduating students as new IU alumni, to recognize the Asian and Asian American student leaders at IU for their contributions to the university, and to appreciate the volunteers of the ACC. By invitation only.

Hosted by: ACC, OVPDEMA, and the IU Asian Alumni Association

Outdoor AAPI Movie Night

Come to Union Street to watch a movie for AAPI Heritage Month! We will be showing The Joy Luck Club on Friday, April 26 starting at 8:30 pm. If the weather is poor, we will move inside to the Union Street Auditorium.

Hosted by: RHA and RPS Libraries