Press Release
April 26, 2024
Contact: Saidy Orellana
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-5204
saidy.orellana@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org
AAPI Celebration Planned at Oklahoma History Center
OKLAHOMA CITY — On Tuesday, May 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Oklahoma History Center will highlight the history, heritage, and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Oklahoma with “Asian American and Pacific Islander Experiences in Oklahoma: A Historical Journey.” This lunch and learn session will also honor individuals who have contributed to the culture of Oklahoma.
From 11-11:30 a.m., author Amy Le will be available for a book signing. Le is the award-winning author of the Snow trilogy and founder of Quill Hawk Publishing, an Asian American company that helps writers publish their books while amplifying diverse voices through storytelling.
The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 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 OHS Multicultural Office Board member.
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. Kevin Dugay (Filipino/Japanese) will be the event’s emcee.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registration is available online. Guests can purchase a lunch provided by Rivière Modern Bánh Mì when registering for the conference. Lunch orders must be placed before Thursday, May 9, at 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).
The event is sponsored in part by Medina Exploration. Supporting organizations include Rivière Modern Bánh Mì, Asia Society OK, Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, IYF Korean, Asian District Cultural Association, the Share and Grow Association and the India Association of Oklahoma.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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