Evolution: Creating a New Consciousness at ECASU 2001
by Joanna Lui, PR Co-Coordinator

"Inventing identities…Exploring stereotypes…[re]inventing, [re]defining…Activism… Artistic Expression…Past, Present and Future…in essence EVOLUTION!" These were the themes of this year's East Coast Asian Student Union Conference (ECASU). Evolution: Creating A New Consciousness was all that and more.

On February 23rd and February 24th, over a thousand eager ECASU participants from all over the country, some from as far away as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Texas, came onto the Columbia campus ready to have a great time. Lerner Hall was filled with APIAs milling about, with a few non-APIA participants scattered throughout the crowd. During registration, ECASU participants received thoughtfully arranged folders of information to make their stay more enjoyable, and were asked to sign up for various workshops to be held the next day. Topics ranged from Asians in Hip Hop to LGBT issues to Youth Mobilization. There was also a sign up for a community service forum to be held that night entitled SLAM-Student Liberation Asian Movement, a youth mobilization program based in New York. Moderators are trained by this program to go out to high schools throughout the city and teach techniques of youth activism, which employ different media the students can use to make their voices heard. [Anyone interested in becoming a moderator can contact John Kim at grasshoppax@hotmail.com].

We discussed sources of power and how individuals may harness those sources as a means for change. One key concept stressed that became increasingly evident over the course of the conference was the power of large-scale mobilization, the power of the masses. The potential of this power was visible as we were leaving the workshop. As we, a large group of Asians, filed out the door past Columbia students entering their dorms, I recall one student saying, "Damn, I've never seen so many Asians in one place before." I couldn't help but smile and think that our mere presence was causing an eye-opening reaction. We were not the stereotypical studious and quiet Asians that remained invisible. Instead, we were showing the world our unity and our pride.

SLAM was followed by SHOUT!, an open mic that was simply slamming! It was a chance for APIAs to show off their skills in the arts, both oral and aural. It featured Organic Thoughts (link to bounce.to/organicthoughts, a New Jersey based trio, who brings new flavor to hip-hop-combining original lyrics, bboy flavor, and turntables for a fresh new sound. Their lyrics, especially that of the only female member, El Gambina, electrified the crowd. SHOUT! also featured Raw Elementz, an all-female group of Columbia students who brings dance choreography to a whole new level with their FUSION dance style that combines elements of hip hop, jazz, street and break dancing, challenging anyone that says Asians can't dance.

Also making an appearance was Feedback, a pan-Asian, NYC based spoken word troupe. This group of eight poets, one musician, and one activist includes NYU's own Taiyo Takeda Ebato. Facing controversy head on, they discuss issues ranging from domestic abuse to the struggles of Korean women forced into sexual bondage during World War II, in addition to issues closer to home, such as feelings of need for an identity, not Asian, not American, but Asian-American. Their compositions are eclectic, unique, refreshing, energizing, and emotional, reflecting all the different shades and backgrounds of its members.

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