Colorado Asian/Pacific Student Alliance (CA/PSA) Youth Conference Reaches Out to Regional AA High Schoolers
Miguel In Suk Lovato, Colorado Asian/Pacific Student Alliance
May 19, 2000

On Friday, April 21, 2000 over 150 Asian American high school students attended Through the Looking Glass: An Asian American Student Conference at the University of Denver. This conference, coordinated by the Colorado Asian/Pacific Student Alliance (CA/PSA), gathered Asian American high school students from around the Denver-metro area to listen to and dialogue with community leaders, professionals, educators, and other students.

Conference topics centered around Asian American youth issues including youth/gang violence and hate crimes, education and success, stereotypes, identity, and affirmative action. Conference presenters included Adele Arakawa from 9News KUSA, Christina Yao from News4 KCNC, and State senator Stan Matsunaka.

The morning keynote address was delivered by Dr. D.J. Ida, Director of Child, Adolescent, and Family Services at the Asian Pacific Development Center. Dr. Ida spoke about the importance of gathering together Asian American youth to discuss issues facing the community.

In addition to attending morning workshops, students participated in team building/networking activities in the afternoon. This gave the students the opportunity to meet, dialogue, and interact with other students from different parts of the city and from different Asian backgrounds.

That evening, the CA/PSA culture show, Staging Traditions, was held featuring performers from various Asian backgrounds. Acts including both traditional Asian dances, songs, and martial arts demonstrations as well as contemporary skits and performances. This fun and exciting show was open to the public and highlighted the many talents and traditions of the various Asian cultures in Colorado.

The conference and culture show were coordinated by CA/PSA, a group comprised of students from various college campuses in Denver and Boulder. CA/PSA formed after the tragic shooting death of 17-year old Joe Her in October 1998. This conference was a direct response to the shooting and the need to address issues that Asian American youth face today.

Gallery Pictures

For additional information about CA/PSA, go to www.ca-psa.com or email denver_capsa@hotmail.com.