Just in case you haven't heard about Asian Heritage Month or seen the blue calendars up around campus, New York University celebrates Asian Heritage Month in April. The planning committee, along with the NYU community, looks forward to providing students, faculty, and friends with a spectacular array of educational, social, cultural, and political programs that will heighten the awareness of Asian and Asian American issues.

The definitive purpose of Asian Heritage Month is to empower--to appreciate the strength, honor, beauty, and wisdom of various Asian cultures. We are dedicated to unifying the diverse Asian and Asian American groups on campus as well as in the surrounding communities. The Asian Heritage Month committee (Brian Aningalan, Louisa Kwok, Linda Tsuei, Anne Marie Reyes, Pam Santos, Su-Queen Teo, and myself) along with our advisor, Myoung Marquez, her graduate assistant Erin Donahue, and the rest of the NYU clubs and organizations hope to carry out this daunting task. This year's events have showcased the talents and culture of NYU's Asian/Asian-American students and featured honored guests such as Lela Lee "the Angry Little Asian Girl," "Good Day, New York" correspondent Ernabelle Demillo, and the R&B group KAI.

Last year's theme was "For centuries we have been walking a lone path. Finally, we are at the crossroad." This years' theme aspires to build upon last year's success by "Living the dream." Living the dream signifies the pursuit of the past, present, and future generations' aspirations. Past and present generations immigrated to this country with hopes of a better life. In order to fulfill this daunting task, WE must live up to that dream NOW, but WE also need to dream for the children of the future.

Our logo is the mythical phoenix. The phoenix signifies rebirth and reawakening. The reawakening hopes to inspire an energetic transcendence from one plane of consciousness to another. The phoenix represents the exploration and evolution of the limitless possibilities of the future, while recognizing the diverse history and culture of Asian/Asian America. This resurgence of culture was demonstrated by various cultural shows.

The Chinese Mei Society's YUAN expressed the love of traditional Chinese culture, while demonstrating a newfound fascination of popular culture through its contemporary dance and skit. The International Filipino Association's Philipino Cultural Night, entitled "CROSSROADS- Every Step You Take," celebrated the joy and difficulties of Filipino-American culture through performance of an original play, written and performed by IFA members. The Chinese Student Society's EXPO was a fusion of rich traditions and modern cultural complexities. The show embraced the beauty of diversity and the prosperity of our generation, while exhibiting the professional and sophisticated talents of our community through contemporary styles and fashions. The Asian Cultural Union's Asian Cultural Expression merged an array of student artwork, fascinating cultural as well as contemporary performances, and a stunning fashion show, featuring the talents of elite fashion designers, but also up-and-coming student fashion designers. The Korean Student Association's Korean Cultural Night and SHRUTI's Cultural Show each displayed the intertwining of past and present elements to create the unique Asian American heritage.

If these shows pique your interest, Asian Heritage Month's upcoming events will not disappoint you. Next on the agenda is L.U.C.H.A.'s panel discussion on the similarities of Asian Americans and Latinos in this country, entitled "Discovering our roots;" then Chinese Mei Society's Karaoke Night; and the month is concluded by Asian Heritage Month's Closing Ceremony featuring a keynote address by Jeff Yang, CEO of AMedia and editor-in-chief of A Magazine, and a performance by acclaimed spoken word artist Beau Sia.

I invite you all take part in the rest of Asian Heritage Month's events and appreciate the diversity of Asian/Asian-American culture. By celebrating our diverse heritage, together we as Asian/Asian-Americans make our dreams a reality.

On behalf of the Asian Heritage Month, I would like to thank our co-sponsors, Indian Cultural Exchange, Office for African American, Latino and Asian American Student Services, Center for Health Promotions, LUCHA, Hong Kong Student Association, Pi Delta Psi Fraternity, Office of International Student Services, Chinese Student Society, Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Office of LGBT Student Services, SHRUTI, Asian American Christian Fellowship, Asian Working Artists, STEBA, and GenerAsian.

Special thanks to the following organizations, without whom there would be no Asian Heritage Month 2001: Kappa Psi Delta , Asian Initiative, the Pan-Asian Council, Asian American Women's Alliance, Asian/Pacific/American Studies Program and Institute, ASSBAC, the Office Student Activities, the Student Activities Board, Chinese Mei Society, Asian Cultural Union, International Filipino Association, Asian Heritage Month 2000