by Jodi Hunley
Daily Lobo
More than 90 people attended UNM's "Salute to Liberty" commemoration of Asian/Pacific Heritage Month Friday, which included guest speakers, Asian foods and examples of cultural and social traditions.
The event, which was sponsored by the Office of Equal Opportunity, included opening remarks by President Chris Garcia, and keynote addresses by visiting professor Norman Bay and James Moy, dean of the College of Fine Arts.
"It is an honor to be here in observance of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month," Garcia said. "We will continue to observe this month at UNM. Our greatness as a nation has been contributed to greatly by Asian Americans."
Garcia added that it was the first time UNM has observed Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month. The nation's first Asian/ Pacific American day was celebrated in 1979 and President Bill Clinton extended it to a month during his presidency, Garcia said.
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He added that Asians are the fastest growing ethnic group in America, with their population doubling in the last 10 years, ensuring a large impact on American society.
"We have much to learn about the Asian cultures," Garcia said. "I hope the University of New Mexico will be a part of this education."
Bay, an assistant professor at UNM's School of Law, delivered his speech, "The Rule of Law and the Asian American Experience," in which he discussed the history of Asians in America and the laws that have both helped and hindered them in American society.
"Today, as we celebrate liberty, it's worth reflecting where we have been and where we are now," Bay said. "The law reflects society ideals. The law has oppressed and promoted justice for Asians in American history."
Bay added that the greatness of America is best fulfilled when its citizens remain true to their ideals.
"Justice can rise from the bitter ashes of injustice," Bay said.
Moumita Si, a UNM graduate student and member of the India Student Association, performed a traditional dance called the Rabindra Nritya.
Members from the Asian Students in America club were also on hand to perform two Filipino dances.
"The program had some great guest speakers," said Thao Trinh, a UNM senior and activity coordinator for the Asian club. "They opened my eyes to the history we have been through. It was inspirational."
Dori Freudiger, director of the UNM Office of Equal Opportunity, said she was pleased with the success of the program.
"We brought a greater sensitivity to Asian awareness," Freudiger said. "We were able to accomplish something that was really meaningful."
Anthony Phan, a member of UNM's Asian club, said there were many members of other cultures sharing perspectives and ideas at the event.
"They were sharing a little bit of their culture with the rest of the world," Phan said.
