Most Americans are familiar with Black History month in February, celebrating various African American icons such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. But few know that April is Asian American Appreciation month.

During this month, people all over recognize Asian Americans around the globe, while keeping various traditions alive within generations.

At Fresno City College, this event is celebrated with a multitude of activities the entire student body can enjoy.

Opening day was March 31, which kicked off the festivities on campus. Among the activities planned for the month include Internments, Game Shows in the Student Lounge, an Asian and Gay Panel and even an Martial Arts workshop.

One of the activities which took place on Monday, April 7 at the FCC Student Lounge was the Student Film Festival, where presenters encouraged students to create a video with an Asian-inspired theme.

Students who missed the Film Festival, can still time for you to engage in fun Asian activities for the duration of this month. According to Glover, the biggest event to come will take place on Saturday, April 26th at FCC where culture, traditions and different people will come together to display an Asian extravaganza.

Among the agenda lies a celebration of martial arts, performances by the Polynesian Club of Fresno, a Cultural Village displaying things from artwork to Chinese calligraphy, and other activities such as origami, storytelling and of course lots of food for the entire family to enjoy.

Two entries, “The BlackPropaganda” and “Crazy Asian Parents,” were submitted by FCC students Jonathan Echols and Matt Miranda. First, the students had to submit their entries to Dr. John Moses for evaluation. Their they were able to screen their short five-minute films for the small audience gathered at the lounge.

Before showing his film, “The Black Propaganda,” the Miranda simply said, “I want you all to be the judge of my film. Basically this is going to play at a big film festival in L.A.”

In his film, Miranda proved his cinematic skills while portraying a man being tortured by two other men in a sort of suspense thriller. Although the film wasn’t finished, the intense scenes had the audience at the edge of their seats.

Echols film, “Crazy Asian Parents” follows a young boy and his very strict parents. After seeing a single B+ on his report card, the young boy’s furiously parents ground the boy and lecture him. After showing the parents rage, Echols went on to show how the film was made and how much fun the cast enjoyed filming.

“The film festival is not only educational, it’s something that they [the students] like doing,” said Mai Lee Glover, one of the judges and directors of Asian American Month. According to Glover, the film festival isn’t so much about winning or losing, but more about the experience. The students are, however, judged in these areas: effort, technique, and audience appeal. The judges, which included John Moses, Otto Lewis, Janice Wong and Glover then deliberated and gave feedback to the students. No winner was announced at the festival as some of the judges were not present.

For specific times on performances or other Asian American Month Activities, contact the College Activities Office at FCC.