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Chilly weather and an overcast sky didn't stop the grills from smoking at the Asian barbeque Saturday.
The barbeque was the kickoff for Asian American Heritage Month. It was sponsored by Student Development-Multicultural Programs and Services, Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, International Student Council and United Asian-American Council.
About 70 people attended the event, which started at 1 p.m., to show their support and get a taste of the free food prepared hot off the grill while grooving to the sounds of a DJ playing Asian hits and American music alike.
"For these events, we're trying to get people to come out from all over the school," said Student Development intern Kendra Torres, a freshman from Sauk Village studying journalism. "Everyone is invited to participate in this diverse event."
Cold weather and the anticipation of rainfall resulted in the late arrival of most participants, but the event was in full swing by 2:30 p.m. However, the scheduled SIUC version of the Dragon Boat races did not take off because the boat supplier was a no-show.
"I think it turned out good," said Bethany Blanton, a freshman from Schaumburg studying pre-med who will be modeling for the upcoming fashion show. "It's cool that they are having this for Asian American Heritage Month."
The campus has celebrated what used to be called "Asian Awareness Month" since 1994. This was the first time in several years a cookout was used to kick off the month, said Abed Abukhdair, a graduate assistant working for Multicultural Programs and Services. Last year, the month opened with dinner and a movie in Brown Auditorium showing the film "Ju-on" which is the Japanese version of "The Grudge."
"We start planning for the month in January to incorporate events that are not just fun, but academic," Abukhdair said. "We also have a couple of non-Asian events such as 'Myth Busters,' which will be held in the Student Center ballrooms.
"It will be a panel which people can ask questions that arise of the Eastern culture and get rid of all stereotypes that are associated with the Middle East" said Abukheair.
For more information and a full schedule of events for Asian American Heritage Month see our online calendar of events our online calendar of events.
DeMarcus Hamilton can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 254 or youngmh@siu.edu.
