The 13 constituent groups of Homewood's Inter-Asian Council, in collaboration with other groups including the Black Student Union and the Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance, have planned a series of events for Asian Awareness April.

According to IAC chair Amanda Lin, the Asian American Dreams theme and programming are aimed at keeping cultural groups on campus from becoming complacent. "We often risk falling into the routine of putting on cultural shows and fun events while forgetting the far-reaching goal of promoting awareness and battling prejudices and stereotypes," she wrote in the program for the event. "The question is not whether we can make a difference; we have a responsibility to do so."

The Filipino Student Association's service auction served as Sunday night's kick-off event. Other programs scheduled are as follows:

Tuesday, April 3, 8 p.m., Glass Pavilion. A California-based show called "Faces of America" examines present American culture, its background, economics, diversity and the road to unification through the true stories of nine young Americans, each with a different background. Co-sponsored with the HSA Programming Committee, Student Activities Commission, Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity, and the Mentoring Assistance Peer Program.

Wednesday, April 4, 8 p.m., Garrett Room, MSEL. A discussion of issues brought up in "Faces of America" and its relevance to the Homewood campus. Hosted by SEED.

Monday, April 9, 9 p.m., E-level, MSEL. The movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Thursday, April 12, 8 p.m., Garrett Room, MSEL. Joo Hyun Kang, director of New York's Audrey Lordes Center, the only safe house for gay, lesbian and bisexual people of color. IAC is co-sponsoring this event with DSAGA.

Tuesday, April 17, 8 p.m., E-level, MSEL. Asian American word poets Staceyann Chin and Beau Sia. A half- Jamaican, half-Chinese lesbian poet, Chin was the winner of the 1999 People of Color Slam and is headliner of the American Amazons European tour. Sia's edgy confessionals touch on fame, money, sex and Asian cultural stereotypes. Co-sponsored with the HSA Programming Committe, DSAGA, BSU and Coffee Grounds.

Monday, April 23, 8 p.m., 161 Offit, student arts center. Roundtable discussion on affirmative action.

Wednesday, April 25, 8 p.m., upper quad. Hate crimes candlelight vigil.

Monday, April 30, 8 p.m., Garrett Room, MSEL. Closing ceremonies.

Throughout April. Visual Showcases: Recent events in Asian American history that have helped define "Asian American Dreams." Cultural groups will create displays, to be changed every Monday, in the Levering display case.