Asian Cultural Night Focuses on Identity

The Intercultural Center is excited to present the 24th annual Asian Cultural Night on Thursday, March 31. This student-planned event centers on “Discovering the World Through Our Lens”  by focusing on identity through generations, cultural transparency, and self growth. Attendees will enjoy an assortment of Asian-inspired appetizers, Kha Niao Man (sticky rice with coconut sauce and fresh fruit) for dessert, and summer solstice teas.

“Asian Cultural Night is a place/ feeling/ moment that lets me be me and take pride in where I come from and all aspects of my identity,” said Business major Maya Patel ’22, co-chair of the event. “This is a space where I felt comfortable enough to discover and share some of my struggles and trying to define my identity through asking myself questions such as, ‘What does it mean to be Asian?’ ‘What does it mean to be Indian?’ ‘Where does my family come from, and why is this significant?’ ‘What did my family have to go through to get me here?’ and ‘What does it mean to be first-generation American?’

The evening will feature traditional dances, including Singkil, Carnosa, and Tinikling, along with singing, spoken word, a fashion show of traditional cultural attire, and a self defense demonstration. 

“Asian Cultural Night is a place for me to connect with others who have gone through similar struggles that I have,” said Biology major Saumya Khanna ’22, event co-chair. “This space allows not only me but others to showcase our culture to the rest of the SMC community.”

Expect an evening with performances celebrating and taking pride in a number of cultures and community. “I’m proud to be Filipino and Asian American, and my family worked hard to make sure I had the resources I needed to educate myself,” said Set Director Jared Pingue ’22, a Health Science major. “I pay tribute to my family and those who helped me get to this point by expressing my love for my culture at events like Asian Cultural Night.”

Check out the video put together by the team, and enjoy past moments from Asian Cultural Night. The event will be held Thursday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. in the Soda Center.