NIU’s activity calender is full of events to celebrate Asian-American heritage this month.

“I hope people will learn a lot more through this month’s activities, both Asians and non-Asians,” said Peter Phoeng, a freshman business management major. “I know for myself, I learned about other cultures during their celebratory months.”

The festivities started Sunday with a concert hosted by the NIU School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance and is part of the Theatre in Context festival. The event featured music professor Kuo-Huang Han playing Cambodian music.

There will be an opportunity to feast on Korean food at 9 p.m. Wednesday in Stevenson North Tower, Room 113.

Sopheap Long, president of the Asian American Association, said this meeting will include a Korean fan dance performed by the organization’s members.

Group members also will raise important issues at panel discussions involving topics like “Interracial Communication and Dating” and the Asian minority myth.

“Asians aren’t always considered a minority for scholarships,” said Long, a junior communication major. “There are many other stereotypes and misconceptions that we hope to address, too.”

According to the information page of the Web site, www.niu.edu/ptaa, a series of motion pictures from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are displayed. One of the movies, “Goodbye America,” examines the conflict between love, honor and country and has already won respect at film markets around the world. All movies will be shown from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays in the Chandelier Room of Adams Hall.

The cultural calendar also features a fashion show, themed “A Night at the Oscars.” Participants will model both modern and ethnic garb, and each scene will play off of a popular movie.

“Taste of Asia” will be one of the final events where students can get a peek at the many styles and customs of Asian culture.

Several exhibits will be on display throughout the month as well. Cambodian artifacts can be found at the lower level of Founders Memorial Library and the Art Building, Room 200.

For more information on the month, call Sopheap Long 787-1030 or e-mail at [email protected]. Also call Augustus Mangubat at 754-1948, or e-mail him at [email protected].