Asian American cultures, in all their diversity, will be highlighted through performances by Newton North Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students during Asian American Culture Night on Saturday, March 26, marking the first time the event has been hosted in-person since 2019.

The event, hosted by the Asian American Culture Club, allows Asian American students to express their cultures through a display of talents. This year‘s performances include Bollywood dancing, yo-yo acts, and musical quartets. 

“Asian American culture night is so special because it shows the significance of traditions in a variety of Asian cultures so that people can feel represented and learn about other cultures,” said senior Natalie Taw, an officer of Asian American Culture Club. 

The more students of color, including AAPI students, can be celebrated by their peers and educators, the better, according to Ms. Leong, an advisor. Events like these are crucial in helping to build a sense of pride for Asian American students and students of color, she said.

“I think it’s great that there’s now a night dedicated to showcasing these talents and a space for AAPI performers to really shine their light,” said junior Julia Ma, an officer.

This will be the first in-person Asian American Culture Night since 2019. Since then, the annual event has been hosted online. Students submitted video clips which were then compiled and live-streamed. Since the event will be held in person this year, the club officers believe it will have a more significant impact. 

“I think the best part is just putting the event together and getting people to come and get a little more knowledge on what Asian culture is like and celebrate it,” said Taw.

Hosting an in-person event allows the audience to connect with and focus on each performer more, according to Taw. 

“I remember attending my first culture night,” said Taw, “It was so special to see all the different talent there is and how performers used it to show their cultures.”

Much planning goes into hosting an event like this, according to Ma. Officers have to choose performers, see their acts, contact restaurants and caterers, and advertise. 

“We hope that our audience members can see the many diversities that exist within AAPI communities and that our AAPI students are more than just stereotypes,” said Leong.