By Brittnee Junkersfeld

To kick off TR’s Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations, North Lake College’s history coordinator will talk about Asian natives who migrated to the U.S. in the 1850s.

Roy Vu is scheduled 12:30-1:30 p.m. April 27 in the Idea Store. He will speak for 40-45 minutes, and the remaining time will be open for a Q&A session.

“He will discuss the war and current refugee policies and how these particular issues have impacted the ones who suffer,” event coordinator Kim Nguyen said.

Vu will address specifics such as how the gold mines in California drew attention to the Asian population as this would be a potentially new place for them to call home, Nguyen said.

“Cultural dances, Japanese calligraphy displays and an additional presentation by guest speaker Mike Itashiki [Collin College and Richland College sociology adjunct instructor] will be included in the celebration starting the second of May,” Nguyen said.

Complimentary sandwiches, lemonade and alternative refreshments will be served.

Nguyen is available in the Idea Store or by phone at 817-515-1037 to provide additional information regarding events for Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.