What started out as an idea hastily scribbled on napkins at meetings has turned into a cultural fest featuring Asian culture.

Quincie Phan, biochemistry premed sophomore and Asian American Student Association president, said the idea was a casual thought at first that blossomed into a large festivity. She said volunteers began fund raising this summer and raised $2,300 for the event.

"This is the 15th annual Asian Oklahoma Night, and it was not hosted the last two years," Phan said. "In the past, it was hosted by the Asian American Student Association and the Malaysian Student Association, but this year we wanted to open it up to all cultural organizations."

It has taken two months, 13 organizations and over 100 volunteers to comprise the night of activities.

The night will feature a showcase of Asian culture from different countries. The event will start off with a dragon dance followed by the national anthem which represents the unity of cultures.

Vi Wickham, Asian American Student Association adviser, said the event is a way to recognize Asian and American cultures.

"In the past, just Asian tradition was presented. This year Asian American culture will be a part as well," Wickham said.

At the event, performers will sing traditional songs from their countries. Students will sing Filipino, modern Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese songs. A modern sword dance, traditional tinkling and Indian dance will be showcased.

Asian Oklahoma Night's theme is Strength, Unity and Spirit: Celebrating Our Differences Through Traditions of Yesterday and Today. The event brought together groups breaking down the wall of uncertainty.

"Bringing all the Asian groups together worked," Phan said. "The different organizations working together has opened communication." She said the theme which incorporates unity was exactly what the different organization created.

Teresa Nguyen, pre-pharmacy sophomore and vice president of the AASA, said working with different groups not only increased communication but created friendship.

A Parade of Royalty will be part of the show, bringing non-Asian cultures to the event.

"Asian Oklahoma Night is not just an Asian event," Phan said. "We want to bring other groups together. Miss Black, Hispanic and Indian OU are just some of the ladies participating in the parade of royalty. We want to show and promote other cultures as well."

Each Asian organization will have the opportunity to show their cultural dress in the Multicultural Fashion Show. A male and female will wear garments from India, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China. They will model apparel from past and current fashions. Those not performing will wear their traditional attire to the event.

After the show, dinner will be served at Wong Key in the union food court .

Phan said she hopes this will foster opportunities for people to talk after the show and meet others from different backgrounds.

DETAILS

Event:

Asian Oklahoma Night

When:

7:30 p.m. today

Where:

Oklahoma Memorial Union Ballroom
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