Events celebrate Asian heritage

Launching into April's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), the APAHM board has planned a series of events called "Beyond Borders" to commemorate the experience of Asians in America and abroad.

The events are scheduled throughout the month until April 29, and include a writers' panel with University professors Chang Rae Lee and Susan Choi, concerts, notable guest speakers, themed banquets and movie screenings.

In addition to showcasing various forms of Asian American culture, the board has addressed other topical issues such as identity concerns, stereotypes and Asian American presence in writing and politics.

"One of the biggest issues I see with Asian Americans today that is there is a general sense of apathy among them in terms of political issues," said Timothy Koo '06, co-chair of the APAHM board. "Traditionally, [Asian Americans] aren't willing to vote in elections and really get organized in the community."

Wednesday's politics panel will be lead by Shien-Biau Woo, president of the 80-20 Initiative, a nonpartisan political action committee for equality and justice for Asian Americans. New York City Councilmember John Liu and Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh of West Windsor, N.J., will also serve on the panel.

"The goal of this event is to expose Asian American undergrads to the possibility of politics and show them that it is an avenue that is accessible to them," Koo said.

The board, which began planning in February, also scheduled events with other Asian American organizations at the University.

"One of our biggest projects this April is going to be a collaboration with TASA [Taiwanese American Students' Association]," Koo said, referring to the Taiwanese night market scheduled to take place during pre-frosh weekend on April 15.

Prominent Asian Americans in the field of entertainment are also featured in the month's lineup, including comedian Eliot Chang, who is scheduled to perform at Charter Club on Friday.

Kal Penn, star of the movie "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," might also appear at the night market, though the event has not been finalized.

"He's expressed a great deal of interest in coming," Koo said.

Last Friday's opening banquet speaker, Yeiichi Kuwayama '40, is a veteran of World War II and one of the first Asian Americans to graduate from Princeton.

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"He fought with the 442nd regiment in World War II, the most highly decorated unit in U.S. history," Koo said. "When you think of World War II, and America's role in it, not many people remember the 442nd regiment."

The board felt that the choice of opening speaker exemplified one of the main goals of APAHM, Koo said.

"We want to raise awareness of not just areas in which Asians have traditionally excelled," Koo said, "but lesser known areas where Asians have also made their presence known."