Contact: Shariq Hashmi
805-756-1405
mcc@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly’s MultiCultural Center Celebrates
Asian American/Pacific Islander Month in May

SAN LUIS OBISPO—Cal Poly’s MultiCultural Center will celebrate Asian American/Pacific Islander month with a series of free and public events throughout May.

Thursday, May 1
7:30-9:30 p.m., Fisher Science Building, Room 286
Clash of Cultures: Islam and the West.
Ahmad Amad, assistant professor of Religion at UCSB, will compare the cultures of Islamic countries and the modern West.

Thursday, May 8
4-6 p.m., University Union, Room 220
The Hypersexuality of Race
Celine Parreñas Shimizu, assistant professor of Film and Video in UCSB’s Department of Asian Studies, will lead a discussion on sexualized depictions of Asian women in film, video, and theatrical productions. The lecture will include clips from early Hollywood cinema, stag films, gonzo pornography, and independent feminist work.

Monday, May 12
7-9 p.m., Ag Engineering Building, Room 123
My Journey After 9/11
Zayn Kassam is the chair of the Religious Studies Department at Pomona College and a frequent commentator on Islam in the modern world. Co-sponsored with the Cal Poly Religious Studies Program.

Tuesday, May 13
7:30 to 8:30 p.m., University Union, Room 221
Taiko Drum performance by Ichimi Daiko
Ichimi Daiko from Arroyo Grande will present a 30-minute talk on the history, culture, and significance of Taiko, as well as a 30-minute musical performance.

Wednesday, May 14
7-9 p.m., Bishops Lounge, University Union, Room 208
Unpacking the Model Minority Myth
This workshop will discuss why many minority groups are compared to the Asian American model. Grace Yeh, professor of Ethnic Studies at Cal Poly, will lead the discussion.

Thursday, May 15
7-8:30 p.m., Sierra Madre Hall
Discussion with Fulbright Scholar Fouad Bouguetta
Aiming to increase American understanding of Islamic culture and history, Bouguetta will discuss current political and economic developments in the Muslim world.

Monday, May 19
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., University Union, Chumash Auditorium
A Divided Community: Japanese Internment Camp Resistors
This play focuses on the internment of Japanese Americans and the ethno-political tensions that resulted within Japanese American communities.

Tuesday, May 20
8-10 p.m., Philips Hall, Room 124
“The Slanted Screen”
The film “The Slanted Screen” explores how Asian men have faced ethnic stereotyping and limiting roles in American cinema. A discussion with Ethnic Studies professor Grace Yeh, will follow.

Tuesday, May 27
8:30-9:30 p.m., Philips Hall, Room 124
“Interracial Dating”
A short film will be shown on interracial dating with a special focus on Asian Americans. A discussion by filmmaker and Cal Poly alumna Amanda Samonte, will follow.

Thursday, May 29
8-10 p.m., Philips Hall, Room 124
DJ Showcase
DJ EffinCycles and DJ Blindside will perform hip-hop scratching routines and discuss their struggles as young Asian American musicians.

Saturday, May 31
7-10 p.m., Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre
Hawaiian Musical Group “Na Mele o ke Kai.”

Local Hawaiian song and dance group “Na Mele o ke Kai.” will perform a musical celebration of Hawaiian, Tahitian, and Maori culture. Tickets are $10-25 and can be purchased from the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center by calling 805-756-ARTS or visiting http://www.pacslo.org.

For more information about any of the events, contact Shariq Hashmi 805-756-1405 or mcc@calpoly.edu.

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