This year, on May 21, Jackson-Reed’s Asian Student Union hosted an Asian Pacific American Culture Night for the second year in a row, celebrating the diverse Asian student population of JR. It’s a night celebrated with food, performances, and a fashion show highlighting various cultures from Asia.

After attendees had a chance to try traditional Asian foods brought by students, the night officially kicked off with Opening Remarks from senior Patrick Eleazar and the teacher sponsor of the Asian Student Union, Armand Cuervas. Opening remarks were followed by an outstanding performance by JR’s own Whiley Walangsumbat and Aliah Jane Gombio, where both students sang original Filipino songs accompanied by guitar. 

After a short round of APA trivia, the night continued with a traditional Chinese fan dance that mystified the audience with fluid movements. Audience members got the chance to learn about fan dancing and even practice the movements themselves with a traditional Chinese fan. 

One of the most memorable parts of the evening was the fashion show, highlighting traditional outfits from across the Asian continent. Prior to the catwalk, senior Azmeh Serajuddin delivered a speech about a traditional South Asian garment, the saree. When asked why this night is so important to her, Serajuddin said its ability “to share your culture with others who aren’t a part of it and others who are a part of it”. Junior Arisha Sheikh added that it’s “not just this month, but this specific celebration in the school, makes us feel, seen, heard, and represented as minorities.” As a small percentage of JR’s population, Asian and Asian American students aren’t always represented within school culture. To have an event dedicated to the history and heritage of Asian Americans is especially important in making sure this small portion of our student body feels accepted and welcome at our school. 

Following the fashion show, a student presentation highlighted the exploitation of Filipino Seafarers and urged the audience to sign a petition to stop the targeting and coercing of Filipino workers on cruise lines to self-deport–something that could directly help workers in places as close as Baltimore. The night was capped off with more APA trivia and a performance of Cariñosa and Tinkling (two traditional Filipino dances). 

Despite the event only being in its second year, Asian Pacific American Culture Night has managed to create a space where the vastly different cultures of Asia can be united and represented. We hope to see its continuation next year in celebrating the diverse cultures of JR. •