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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University is celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month with variety of activities and events, including a multicultural talent show, six films and an exploration of Asian Pacific American history.

Most events are free and open to the public. For information, contact the OSU Asian Cultural Center at 541-737-6361

Activities begin with opening ceremonies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 3, in the Memorial Union Quad. Cake, drinks and party favors will be given away to celebrate the month.

On Monday, May 10, Al and Jane Nakatani, a Japanese-American couple whose story is told in the book, "Honor Thy Children," will speak about racism, homophobia, and AIDS. From 1986 to 1994 all their sons died, two from AIDS; one from murder. The Nakatanis had disowned their eldest son when they found he was gay. Their 90-minute presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Union Room 109.

A 6 p.m., Thursday, May 27, in the Memorial Union Lounge, the celebration will end with a two-hour talent show focusing on the talents of OSU students and community members.

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:

Monday, May 3

• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Opening ceremonies in the Memorial Union Quad.

Wednesday, May 5

• Noon: Screening of the 60-minute film "Kelly Loves Tony," which chronicles the struggles of a Laotian couple challenged by educational and cultural differences. MU Room 206.

   

• 1 p.m.: Screening of the half-hour drama "Two Lies," which spins the tale of a women and her daughter and generational conflict in a world of different cultures. MU Room 206.

Monday, May 10

• 5:30 p.m.: "Honor Thy Children," a 90-minute presentation by Al and Jane Nakatani, focusing on personal and family reconciliation and survival. MU Room 109.

Wednesday, May 12

• 5:30 p.m.: Screening of the 60-minute documentary "A.K.A. Don Bonus," which follows the life of a Cambodian refugee at a San Francisco high school. MU Room 206.

Wednesday, May 19

• Noon: Screening of the 90-minute film, "Roots in the Sand," a movie that challenges visions of the Wild West by featuring Sikh, Moslem and Hindu settlers. MU Room 206.

Thursday, May 20

• Noon: In a two-hour presentation, Bob Santos, federal Housing and Urban Development regional director for the Northwest and Alaska, will trace the history of Asian Pacific Americans and their role in society. MU Room 206.

Monday, May 24

• 7 p.m.: A screening of the feature film "Rush Hour," to heighten awareness of interracial relations, break stereotypes and correct misunderstandings. Milam Auditorium.

Wednesday, May 26

• Noon: A 90-minute screening of "My America...Or Honk If You Love Buddha," a film that analyzes the intersection of race and democracy, looking at both the history and future of Asian Pacific Americans. MU Room 206.

Thursday, May 27

• 6 p.m.: Multicultural Talent Show. MU Lounge.