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2023 AAPI Cultural Heritage Month

2022 AAPI Heritage Month

**To receive announcements of future CFAAPI events and learn more about how to engage, please fill out this online interest form.


Campus Events

Tuesday, May 2, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saving Face (2004) Film Screening

Frieson Black Cultural Center, Multipurpose Room: Join the Asian American Association and the Pride Center for a free screening of the classic and acclaimed LGBTQ+ film, Saving Face, from director Alice Wu. Saving Face tells the stories of Wil, a gay Chinese-American doctor, and her traditionalist mother who are both reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations. We will have free food for attendees!

If you’re feeling the post-Oscars blues after Everything Everywhere All at Once’s sweep, this film is for you!


Wednesday, May 3 at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

International Coffeehouse (Kyrgyzstan)

Hodges Library, Mary E Greer Room: Each month, the International House and a student group partner to provide free coffee and snacks that feature a country, region or cultural group. This month’s region is Kyrgyzstan. During this program, international and domestic students, faculty and scholars have the opportunity to meet, enjoy international refreshments and make new friends. Join us for our last coffeehouse of this semester and take a break from your end-of-semester studies and work!

More Information

Wednesday, May 3 at 4:45 pm to 9:00 pm

Movie Night featuring “Everything Everywhere All At Once

Lindsey Young Auditorium: To celebrate May AAPI Cultural Heritage month, the Commission for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (CFAAPI) is proud to present Movie Night in the Lindsey Young Auditorium at Hodges Library on Wednesday, May 3rd.

Please join us for the screening of the 2023 Academy Award Winner for Best Picture, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” followed by a discussion with Faculty and Student Panelists.

Reception: 4:45 – 5:30 PM
Movie Screening: 5:30 – 7:50 PM
Panel Discussion: 8:00 – 9:00 PM

Registration is required due to limited seating. Follow the link to register: tiny.utk.edu/2023CFAAPIMovie If you are bringing guests, please ask them to register as well.

Panelists
Chuan-Hui Weng, Lecturer of the Chinese Program
Eleni Palis, Assistant Professor of the Department of English
Danqi Cai, Grad Teaching Associate of the School of Art
Haley Takahashi, Grad Teaching Associate of the School of Art

Moderators
Robyn Brookshire, Clinical Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies
Mary Laube, Assistant Professor of the School of Art

Register Here

Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm

China Day

IHouse Great Room: The UT Chinese Culture Club invites you to China Day, a dynamic event that showcases the rich and fascinating traditions of China. Taste authentic Chinese cuisine, enjoy a fashion show featuring traditional Chinese dress, and watch a performance from a talented local Chinese performer.

Participate in an open-for-all talent competition, showcasing your skills and embracing your connection to Chinese heritage. Don’t miss this chance to explore, connect, and celebrate Chinese culture.

Sign Up for Talent Competition

Community Events

We are pleased to share a series of exciting community events taking place in the local area. These events are organized by various community organizations, offering a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together, connect, and celebrate diverse interests and cultures. Join us in supporting these vibrant gatherings that contribute to the richness and inclusivity of our community.


Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 5:00 pm

Korean Children’s Choir Concert

James R. Cox Auditorium: Please join the Korean Children’s Choir Concert to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and explore Korean culture.
The first of its kind, Hayan Song, a graduate student of Music in the Music Education degree program at UT, has created and will present the Korean Children’s Choir. Korean Children’s Choir is composed of 34 Korean Children from Knox County schools ages 5 to 13 and will perform both American and Korean songs. The concert, entitled “Journey Together,” will showcase how the music of two different countries can harmoniously blend. Additionally, given few opportunities to experience Korean culture in Knoxville, this concert will be a unique chance to learn Korean culture and music.
Admission is free and open to everyone.


Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Knoxville Taste of Asia

The Emporium: Join the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee for a special evening at the Knoxville Taste of Asia, an event dedicated to raising funds for the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee. Support their mission to create a welcoming community that fosters peace, harmony, unity, and a healthy lifestyle by sharing Asian arts and culture. Enjoy a festive evening through a variety of Asian foods, drinks, and entertainment. Performances include the Lion dance, Bali dance, and Thai dance.

For more information, visit www.knoxasianfestival.com or email info@knoxasianfestival.com.


Friday, May 19, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Knox AAPI Night Market

Hi-Wire Brewing (900 Sevier Ave): Come celebrate Asian food and culture while supporting Asian-owned businesses with High-Wire Brewing’s first ever AAPI Night Market. Jessica Carr of Girls Gotta Eat Good Asian Bakery and Vic Scott of Seoul Brothers, Hong’s Kitchen and Bubbles & Cream are partnering to host this amazing event. There will be Asian food trucks, food vendors, craft vendors and more.

For more information, visit the Facebook event here.


Friday, May 26, 2023, at 5:00 pm

Yo-Yo Ma & Friends

World’s Fair Park: More than a concert, Ma and guest musicians Rhiannon Giddens, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, and regional musicians will perform solos, duos, trios, and more – joined by storytellers and dancers – all woven into a rich, multi-layered and utterly unique concert experience. The festival lawn will host an array of entertainment and educational experiences highlighting the cultural traditions and natural beauty of the region: delicious food from area chefs, the work of some of the region’s leading artisans, storytelling villages, square dancing sessions, music-making workshops, and more.


Past Events

Monday, April 10, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

AAPI Connect

Student Union, 262A: Join us at the AAPI Connect, organized by the Commission for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (CFAAPI), a dedicated body established to improve the status and experience of the AAPI community on campus.

Learn more about the CFAAPI and discover how you can get involved in supporting our vibrant community. Lunch will be provided, and a short program is scheduled for noon.

To help us better estimate the number of attendees and provide food, please register by April 5 at tiny.utk.edu/2023AAPIConnect. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, network, and build meaningful relationships within the AAPI community and beyond.


Arab FestSaturday, April 15, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Arab Fest at Downtown Market Square with CFAAPI

Downtown Market Square: Join the Commission for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (CFAAPI) to celebrate Arab History Month at Arab Fest in Downtown Market Square for a day of fun and cultural exploration. Great food, traditional dances & Dabkeh, fashion shows, live music, and Middle Eastern merchandise! The CFAAPI is sponsoring the event and will have a booth there from 12 to 4 p.m. No registration necessary.


Interested in adding your event?

Email us at UTCFAAPI@utk.edu and we will add it to the AAPI Cultural Heritage Month calendar.