Asian student group invites sushi chefs to campus

Silent Revolution: Embracing Our Voices is a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2011.

Although Asian Pacific American Heritage Month takes place in the United States in May, Emerson student organization Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness (A.S.I.A.) has been spreading the word about Asian cultures in April, before students leave for summer vacation.

The group’s celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2011 (Silent Revolution: Embracing Our Voices) included an April 14 program called “What’s Up, Wasabi?” Two sushi chefs from Snappy Sushi on Newbury Street visited campus to teach A.S.I.A members and friends how to make their own California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and more. The chefs also imparted their own special sushi preparation techniques, such as how to properly wrap rice with seaweed, and spoke about the history of sushi and its significance in Japanese culture.

A.S.I.A. shares space in the College’s Multicultural Center with a variety of groups, including E.B.O.N.I., E.A.G.L.E., Speak Up!, and Amigos. The group’s activities range from discussions, academic panels, and karaoke nights to demonstrations, like this week’s sushi-making tutorial, and explorations of Chinatown.

“With this group, we create awareness of the large number of Asian cultures and issues within our Emerson community,” explained Charles DeRupe ’13, current president of A.S.I.A. “I think Emerson—especially the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion—is on its way to creating strong and valuable connections among our multicultural groups and the entire community.”

A.S.I.A. meets twice a month on Tuesdays in the Multicultural Center. Activities in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month will continue through April.