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Honda, Reed View Young API Art Display

By Associated Press

Some young winners of “Growing up Asian in America” were honored on April 20 for their works, which contribute to a greater understanding of Asian American culture.

U.S. Rep. Mike Honda, D-San Jose, and San Jose City Councilman Chuck Reed joined members of the Asian Pacific Fund at the main branch of the San Jose Public Libraries today to honor the young artists.

The 7th annual contest was not only designed to kick off Asian Pacific American Month, but also to make more people aware of Asian American culture. And what better way than through art in a library to open people’s eyes, said Asian Pacific Fund President Gail Kong.

“This [artwork] is especially important for kids who don’t speak English as a first language,” she said. “And we reach about 1.2 million people in libraries each year.”

Honda applauded the library venue.

“The library is the keeper of knowledge for the community,” Honda said. “Growing up in Chicago, there were two things that kept me out of trouble: the library and the museum.”

Today’s display made the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library look a little like both. Artwork and essays on the topic “My Favorite Thing” were on display, and will remain up through the month of May at every library in San Jose.

Officials hope the displays will put a positive spin on some negative press that Asian Americans have been getting.

Reed praised San Jose for its diversity — particularly his district, which is over 50 percent Asian, he said.

“It’s good to live in an ethnically diverse community that’s integrated,” Reed said. “It wasn’t that long ago that Asians had to live in ghettos for protection. Let’s not forget that, but let’s not forget our children don’t have to write about that anymore.”

Said Honda, “Becoming an American is not so much what you look like. It’s the process of growing up that teaches you to be an American.”