April 29, 2002 Variety of cultures highlighted at UCSC in the spring By Louise Donahue Spring is the season for finding out more about other cultures at UCSC. The cultures of Africa and the Philippines were showcased on the weekend of April 20-21, with African Appreciation Day and the Pilipino Cultural Celebration. The diversity of cultures at UCSC is highlighted at the Multicultural Festival on May 4. Photo: Sayo Fujioka Coming up on Saturday, May 4, the diversity of cultures represented at UCSC will come together for the 23rd annual Multicultural Festival, held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Oakes College lower field. "One World, One Rhythm" is the theme of the festival, expected to draw about 4,000 people. Music and dance are among the festival highlights. Grammy-nominee Mystic, East L.A. Sabor Factory, and folkloric and hip-hop dancers will be performing. Food booths serving a variety of traditional ethnic cuisines are a popular part of the festival. Offerings this year will include Korean bulgogee (barbecue), samosas, and halo halo ice, among many other treats. Twenty-one ethnic student organizations work with the Student Organization Advising and Resources Office to plan the free event. Alcohol is not permitted. Call (831) 459-2934 for more information. Helen Zia is coauthor, with scientist Wen Ho Lee, of My Country Versus Me. Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month May is also Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a national celebration being marked at UCSC with lectures, a film series, an Asian American writers series, and even a surf clinic offered by the Chinese Student Association. The theme of Asian American/Pacific Islander Month at UCSC is "Standing up. Standing out. Standing together." Helen Zia, coauthor with scientist Wen Ho Lee of My Country Versus Me, will give the keynote speech at 7:30 p.m. May 15 in the Kresge College Town Hall. A second-generation Chinese American, Zia is also the author of Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People. A complete calendar of events is available online. Grupo Folklorico Los Mejicas Mexican culture will be in the spotlight on May 31-June 1 with two performances by the Grupo Folklorico Los Mejicas at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Mainstage. The troupe is marking its 30th year, and its performances will include dances from seven regions of Mexico. Return to Front Page