The month of April marked the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. To commemorate the event, the Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services (OASIS) co-sponsored art and cultural speakers, a talent show and a samurai dinner event.

On April 20, keynote speaker Trina Tan addressed the importance of celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month with an intimate audience at the Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center. Tan discussed the historical connotation of Asian American stereotypes and the changes in the population. She also issued a call to action to dispel the labels by taking care of self and community.

“As an Asian American student, I wanted to learn more about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I wasn’t sure if I would get anything out of the event but I really enjoyed the session with Trina and now I have better knowledge about what Asian/Asian Americans are facing in this country,” said Tram Tran, a sophomore majoring in international business.

“I think the most memorable thing was Trina’s energy. She was representing Asian Americans in a way that is different than what we’ve seen at UNL because there is so little exposure to Asian Americans in faculty and staff positions. She was passionate about bringing more awareness and justice to the APIA community and helping students learn about the cause,” said Sylvia Hall, a graduate student program coordinator in OASIS.

The last event of the month, the Samurai Dinner which was co-sponsored with University Housing, took place on April 27 at Cather/Pound/Neihardt Dining Hall.