ASIAN AWARENESS MONTH HIGHLIGHTS DIVERSITY IN ASIAN CULTURES

   COLUMBUS -- Asian Awareness Month, featuring keynote speaker George Takei -- Sulu from the original "Star Trek" series -- kicks off at The Ohio State University Thursday (4/29) and continues through May 31 with many new events, including a celebration of life in India.

   "Every year we try to add new programs into the mix," said Sheila Kapur, coordinator of Asian American Student Services. "This is the first year we've had a major celebrity (Takei) as our keynote speaker. We're expecting a big turnout."

   Takei, a Japanese American who at age 4 was taken along with his family to a Japanese internment camp during World War II, will speak of his personal journey in the film industry, including how he overcame obstacles of racism and stereotypes. He will speak at 7 p.m. May 20 in the Ohio Union Ballrooms, 1739 N. High St. Admission is free and open to the public.

   The month-long celebration starts Thursday (4/29) with the Asian Food and Cultural Fair from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union Ballrooms. Tickets for the event, featuring food and entertainment from 25 participating Asian American and International Asian student groups, are $5 with food and $1 without food. The public is encouraged to attend.

   A talent showcase follows the food and cultural fair from 7 to 9 p.m. in the East Ballroom of the Ohio Union.

   The observance features film and video screenings and two panel discussions: one on Asian Women's Health Issues, May 19 at 7 p.m., and another on Women and Race Choosing the Future, May 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both take place in the Ohio Union's Stecker Lounge.

   Other events include:

   FRIDAY (4/30) -- A Holi Celebration at 7:30 p.m. at the Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road. The event, which celebrates the rich history and culture of India, includes a cultural program of Indian music, dances and a "Mr. India" pageant.

   MAY 6 -- "The Dating Game: The Ups and Downs of Choosing a Partner" at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room of the Ohio Union. The event looks at Asian dating in the 1990s.

   MAY 13 -- Michael Omi, from the University of California at Berkeley Asian American Studies Program, will talk on "Situating Asian Americans in the Political Discourse on Race" from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Stecker Lounge in the Ohio Union. He is the featured speaker for the 1999 Ohio State Distinguished Lecture in Asian American History.

   MAY 20 -- George Takei talks on "Infinite Diversity" at 7 p.m. in the Ohio Union Ballrooms.

   MAY 22 -- China Night, a program including folk music, a movie, Chinese dance groups and Karaoke, takes place from 8 p.m. to midnight in Dreese Lab Auditorium lobby, 2015 Neil Ave.

   All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information or a complete listing of events, call Asian American Student Services, (614) 292-0625.

Contact: Sheila Kapur, coordinator of Asian American Student Services, (614) 292-0625