COCC marks AANHPI Heritage Month with talent showcase, film, book groups
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College is celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a lineup of free activities for the community throughout May.
Organized by the college’s diversity and inclusion and student life departments, the events include a film, a virtual book group and a talent showcase. For complete details, visit cocc.edu/multicultural.
First in the program’s lineup is a series of virtual book discussions, Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. starting May 2, focused on the novel “Things We Lost to the Water” by Eric Nguyen. The story is about an immigrant Vietnamese family that settles in New Orleans and struggles to remain connected to one another as their lives are reshaped. Free books are available for COCC student participants; register by emailing odi@cocc.edu.
The Asian and Pacific Islanders Talent Showcase, held in partnership with the city of Bend, Embrace Bend and the Asian and Pacific Islanders Collective, is coming to the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. “APIC Harmony” will include music, martial arts and dance, and be emceed by Matikas Grace with special guest Nan-mix. APIC Harmony is an initiative by the Asian and Pacific Islanders Collective to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Deschutes County. Visit towertheatre.org to reserve a seat.
A film screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red,” a 2023 Academy Award nominee, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, at Wille Hall on the Bend campus, with a discussion to follow. The movie follows a 13-year-old who’s torn between remaining her protective mother’s dutiful daughter and navigating the chaos of adolescence. It has a PG rating.
For information on any of these events, contact Christy Walker, director of diversity and inclusion at COCC, at cwalker2@cocc.edu or 541-383-7412.
In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact Caitlyn Gardner at 541-383-7237. For accommodation because of other disability, such as hearing impairment, contact disability services at 541-383-7583.
