CORVALLIS - Regional author Ted Cox will trace the "History of Racism in Oregon" as part of Oregon State University's annual observation of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Cox's 90-minute talk, which is free and open to the public, starts at noon on Monday, May 16, in OSU's Memorial Union Room 206.
Cox, a native of Eugene who owns and operates the Old World Deli in Corvallis, holds a master's degree in education from OSU. His recent book, "The Toledo Incident of 1925: Three Days That Made History in Toledo, Oregon," tells the 1925 true story of an angry mob in Toledo that forced Asians out of town and the lawsuit that followed. Events planned for the month also include a multicultural health fair, films and an exploration of Asian Pacific American history and culture.
Most events are free and open to the public. For information, contact the OSU Asian Pacific Cultural Center at 541-737-6361
On Tuesday, May 10, Asian Pacific American Cultural Night starts at 6 p.m. at the OSU Asian Pacific Cultural Center, 2638 N.W. Jackson Ave. The two-hour event offers a chance to learn about the culture, values and traditions of Asian and Pacific Islanders.
A 90-minute outdoor concert is scheduled on Wednesday, May 18, at 8 p.m. in the campus MU Quad. "A Taste of Polynesian" features a blend of Polynesian and reggae-style music performed by Kalakoa, a Vancouver, Wash.-based Hawaiian band.
President Carter signed a resolution declaring the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week in 1979. In 1992, May of each year was federally designated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month events at OSU include:
Tuesday, May 10
6 p.m.: Asian Pacific American Cultural Night, Asian Pacific Cultural Center, 2638 N.W. Jackson Ave.
Wednesday, May 11
9 a.m.: "Multicultural Health Fair," focusing on health issues in various cultures. Free testing available, including diabetes, blood pressure, depression. MU Ballroom through 2:30 p.m.
11 a.m.: "Asian Pacific Race and Sexuality," a 60-minute workshop about race, gender sexuality and transnational identity led by Erin O'Brien, director of the University of Oregon Women's Center. MU Journey Room.
7 p.m.: "Culture Shock," a two-hour presentation of Polynesian and Asian American culture through a variety of dances, songs, skits and slideshows. MU Ballroom.
Thursday, May 12
2 p.m.: "Hmong Genocide in Laos," two-hour video and discussion on the Hmong's role in the Vietnam War and the aftermath. MU Room 207.
6 p.m.: Asian Pacific Cultural Center Open House.
Saturday, May 14
6 p.m.: "Philipino Culture Night 2K5" MU Ballroom, free tickets required, available while they last starting Monday, May 9, at OSU Student Involvement in Snell Hall.
Monday, May 16
Noon: "History of Racism in Oregon," 90-minute talk by author Ted Cox. MU Room 206.
Wednesday, May 18
11 a.m.: Paper crane fundraiser to aid tsunami relief in Southeast Asia. MU Quad through 3 p.m.
8 p.m.: "A Taste of Polynesian," 90-minute outdoor concert. MU Quad.
Saturday, May 21
8 p.m.: "Springtime Hustle," a semi-formal dance. OSU Escape Night Club.
Monday, May 23
1 p.m.: "The Press, the Military and Racism," a two-hour video presentation and panel discussion on the Massie case, a notorious 1931 incident in which five Honolulu men were accused of the assault and rape of a white woman, based on her word and dubious evidence.
Tuesday, May 24
6 p.m.: Semi-formal dinner with keynote speaker Parry Shen, actor from "Better Luck Tomorrow," the first Asian American Film to be picked up at the Sundance Film. Shen will discuss his outlooks from the past 15 years in dealing with Asian American issues in acting. MU Room 109, free tickets required, available while they last starting Monday, May 16, at OSU Student Involvement in Snell Hall.
Thursday, May 26
11 a.m.: "APA Faces through Education, Reflection and Action," a four-hour event showcasing the history, contributions and military involvement of Asian Pacific Americans through cultural games and entertainment. MU Quad.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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