Asian-Pacific week kicks off with hip-hop concert

Philadelphia's own hip-hop group The Mountain Brothers performed for a crowd of 300 on Saturday in Irvine Auditorium as Asian-Pacific-Americans on campus kicked off their heritage week. In addition to The Mountain Brothers, the attendees were treated to the musical stylings of some audience members who beatboxed and freestyled while the DJ spun some sounds. Other events this week include a two-day multicultural display on Locust Walk, a candlelight vigil for Asian-American hate crime victims and a noodle tasting. The goal of the week's events, according to organizers, is for students of Asian descent to share their heritages with each other and the community at large. "One of the misconceptions that people have is that we are one conglomerate group with no distinct characteristics of our own," said College junior Hoa Duong, president of the Asian Pacific Student Coalition. "This week gives us an opportunity to come together and acknowledge our differences and unique qualities." Wharton senior Mike Mariano, a member of the Asian Student Union and co-chairperson of the committee that organized the week's events, added, "All of our events? give students the opportunity to learn more about the rich culture and heritage of Asian Americans, as well as some of the contemporary issues and situations we face today." And Wharton junior Sammy Seguira, vice chairperson of cultural affairs for the Asian Pacific Student Coalition, agreed that the week is not only a celebration, but an educating tool. One of the goals of the week is to give information to Asian-American students who might not know how to get involved in the various Asian-American organizations at the University. Many students said they are interested in taking this opportunity to learn more about their culture and the resources available to them. "I didn't come from a very Asian-populated town and I'm trying to get more involved," Wharton sophomore Kelly Yang said. One of the highlights of the week will be keynote speaker Rick Yune, a Korean-American actor and Wharton graduate. Yune is in the upcoming movie Snow Falling on Cedars, which is based on the Japanese-American murder mystery novel by David Guterson. One of the other highly anticipated events, aside from the annual fashion show and charity gala -- the proceeds from which go to AIDS Services in Asian Communities -- is the speakout on Friday. The rally will feature various Asian-Pacific-American student leaders who will discuss the need for the University to offer more services to Asian-American students, including a resource center. "We are not necessarily underrepresented, but underserved," Duong said. "With 25 percent [of the student body], there are not enough resources to reflect that number." According to Duong, students have been working to implement an Asian-American resource center for a few years but have been ignored thus far. A center was first proposed in 1992 and has since been recommended again by various committees, including the Pluralism Committee and the Asian American Student Affairs Committee. "We are looking for quality of life, not quantity," Duong said.