May is Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) National Heritage Month. To celebrate their contributions to Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Historical Society Multicultural Office organized “AAPI Historical Journey,” A lunch-and-learn session to explore the historical journey and to honor the individuals who have contributed to the culture of Oklahoma.
It will take place at the Oklahoma History Center on Tuesday, May 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
♦ Kevin Dugay (Filipino/Japanese) will be the event’s emcee.
♦ The keynote speaker is Ban Nguyen, who is of Vietnamese heritage. Nguyen is an operating partner of Jimmy’s Egg and Rivière Modern Bánh Mì restaurants. He is also a founding member of the OHS Multicultural Office Board.
♦ Ba Luong (Chinese/Vietnamese), Larry Li (Taiwanese/Chinese), Dr. Murali Krishna (India), Denise Duong (Vietnamese American), and Esther Dagalea Moore (Filipino) will be honored at the event for their contributions to the AAPI community in Oklahoma. Rev. Chin Do Kham (Myanmar) will be honored posthumously.
♦ Arts performances presented by Share and Grow, Zomi Community, and India Association of Oklahoma will be part of the program.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Attendees can pre-purchase a lunch box prepared by Riviere Modern Banh Mi when registering for the conference. Lunch orders must be placed on or before Thursday, May 9, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. The options include gourmet K*Pop Bánh Mì, Miss Saigon Bánh Mì, Chicken Fried Rice, or Marinated Shredded Jackfruit Lettuce Wraps (vegetarian option).
For additional questions, you may call Oklahoma Historical Society’s Multicultural Officer - Saidy H. Orellana, at (405) 522-5204, email saidy.orellana@history.ok.gov, or visit www.okhistory.org
