Library hosts Asian American celebration of cultures

If You Go Come celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with St. Olaf and the Northfield Public Library on Saturday, May 4th, from 1-4 p.m. The programs at the library, 210 Washington St, are free and open to everyone, no registration is required. 810c6f3e-f6e5-4ab3-a802-daa6dec125fb

More Information Description of the Participating Student Organizations: AASU — Asian American Student Union will be presenting a brief history of different Asian ethnic groups in the United States, as well as the general “Asian” experience pre-, during, and post-pandemic. This will be followed by an optional conversation around what shapes the participants’ identity and how the pandemic has affected their lives (open to all). CSA — This performance is a fusion of Indian dance styles and songs led by CSA! and Natya, taking you on a journey across the diverse landscapes of India. From the spirited rhythms of Rajasthani folk tunes to the energetic beats of Andhra Pradesh and the powerful Bhangra moves of Punjab, this performance aims to encapsulate the rich cultural heritage of the nation. CSCA — Chinese Student & Culture Communication Association (CSCA) is a student-led organization that aims to create a community to share and celebrate Chinese culture. We plan to have the sugar painting on the second floor and paper cutting on the first floor (for the kids). D-VINE — Being an Asian-inspired dance organization on campus, D-VINE’s purpose is to provide a space in which dancers can congregate and engage in collaborative dance projects together. The number that we are performing is called Grain in the Ear, based on a traditional Chinese dance. HOSA — The Hmong Ole Student Association (HOSA) strives to provide a safe space for members to connect, engage, and increase awareness about the Hmong culture to the St. Olaf community. We will fulfill our mission through activities such as conversations, presentations, and community building events. HOSA plans to do a workshop surrounding cultural clothing for the event. Krush Dance Crew — We are Krush Dance Crew a Kpop based dance organization at St. Olaf. We are performing the song “ParadoXXX Invasion” by ENHYPEN which tackles the idea of defying societal rules and embracing the concepts of paradox and illogic. It’s a song that encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and disregard the constraints of societal norms. KSO — K’Nyaw Students Organization is a Karen student organization at St. Olaf College that is dedicated to creating a community for the Karen students and those interested in learning more about the Karen people. We plan to hold a workshop that brings awareness to Karen culture, language and backgrounds. Pamilya Pinoy — We’re Pamilya Pinoy. We share and celebrate Filipino culture with the St. Olaf community, and connect with other Filipino organizations around Minnesota. We will perform a tinikling dance, titled “Learn Tinikling with Pamilya Pinoy.” After the performance , we will also run a workshop for attendees who would like to try the dance themselves. Taiko — St. Olaf Taiko performs classic and student-composed repertoire with energy and enthusiasm. We have always been a student-led ensemble since our start in 2004. Not only is taiko musical, it is also a visual art form as the movements used to play are connected to the songs themselves. Taiko players pass down and teach through oral, visual, and kinesthetic practices and traditions. We will perform two songs, Firebender and Raku, at the event, as well as hold a presentation to introduce Taiko to the attendees. aedf0b3b-6315-4ac5-a851-6b941fa5a581

Northfield’s first ever celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Northfield Public Library will be Saturday, May 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This event, the result of an exciting collaboration between the Northfield Public Library and St. Olaf’s Asian Studies Department and Academic Civic Engagement Office, will feature entertaining and educational programming throughout the afternoon.

Remarks from Mayor Rhonda Pownell and other community leaders will open the event, followed by an artist talk from St. Olaf Visiting Assistant Professor of Art and Art History Mayumi Amada beginning at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., community members of all ages are welcome to join in on a paper flower making workshop led by Amada.

Registration for the workshop is required. St. Olaf student groups, including Asian Conversations, Asian American Student Union, Celebrate South Asia!, Chinese Student & Culture Communication Association, D-VINE, Hmong Ole Student Association, Karen Student Association, Krush, Pamilya Pinoy, and Taiko Drumming, will lead presentations, performances, and discussions throughout the building.

Ka Wong, Associate Professor, St. Olaf Asian Studies Department, said she was grateful to have this opportunity to collaborate “with the wonderful folks at the NPL and bring the joy of AAPI heritage month to our Northfield community,”

Northfield Public Library’s Alexus Kreft, the adult programming and outreach librarian said they were excited to celebrate the Asian American community in Northfield and beyond at the library.

“I can’t thank St. Olaf’s Asian Studies Department enough, especially Professor Ka Wong, for their eager collaboration,” said Kreft. “I’m so excited to share what these St. Olaf students have put together over the last few months of hard work. I know it’ll be a beautiful day full of music, art, food, and conversation.”

Professor Ying Zhou, Chair of the St. Olaf Asian Studies Department, said the celebration of AAPI Heritage Month should help to bring diverse members of the community together. “Our students and the Northfield community illuminate the strength of solidarity, the power of allyship, and the impact of diversity,” she said.

All events are free and open to the public. Find more information about the event on the library’s website at mynpl.libcal.com/event/11568049 .