DHANI JONES/Daily Four University students perform during the Generation Asian Pacific American cultural show at the Power Center last night.

Gen APA show sets Y2K 'in motion'

Combining issues and art, the annual Generation Asian Pacific American cultural show packed the Power Center last night, with the theme of "Setting the Millennium in Motion."

Gen APA, presented by the United Asian American Organizations, began on campus in 1995. Since then, it has grown to include more than 300 participants from 13 student groups on campus.

"It has gained so much momentum with the help of student leaders," said School of Art and Design junior Thuyen Tang, co-chair of the event.

"Our mission statement is promoting community, cultural awareness, APA pride and unity through the creative arts," said co-chair Tejas Shah, an LSA junior.

The acts represented a blend of modern and traditional artistic expression through dance, singing and skits.

Highlights included a rhythm step act by Asian fraternity Lambda Phi Epsilon, a spirited dance by the Advancement of Indian Opportunity and modern dance by Culture Shock.

Shah said he was pleased so many non-APA members attended the show.

"It is important to expose people to each specific culture. It's a great way to showcase each individual culture," Shah said.

LSA sophomore Young Do participated in the Lamda Phi Epsilon step act. He described the experience as full of adrenaline and very enjoyable.

"It shows a lot of APA groups and it shows unity between the groups. It's good for the community," Do said.

Between acts, the Masters of Ceremony addressed issues relevant to APA students such as stereotypes in the media, affirmative action, interracial dating, hate crimes and involvement on campus. The issues were discussed with humor through skits and movies.

"I liked the way they talked about all the issues that are going on. It brought a lot of stuff to my attention that I wasn't aware of," said Katie Moray, a local high school senior.

This year one focus of Gen APA was community building. "Every participant in the show was required to partake in at least one or more community building event," Shah said.

These events encompassed more than service and could include anything from attending another cultural show to volunteering at a hospital. More than 100 Gen APA participants spent the afternoon March 13 knitting mittens for the homeless and the needy.

Another community building event included a mentoring project in association with the Community Action Network, where Gen APA participants could work with high school students.

Other student groups performing included the Indian American Student Association, alpha Kappa Delta Phi, the Thai Students Association, Korean Campus Crusade for Christ, the Chinese Christian Fellowship, the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, the Filipino American Students Association and the Vietnamese Student Association.

04-01-99