BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Asian Cultural Center - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Oakland Asian Cultural Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://oacc.cc X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Asian Cultural Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260111T143000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20251030T163029Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T052106Z UID:22603-1768136400-1768141800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:From Ally to Activated: Breaking Barriers to Community Action DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, January 11\n1-2:30 pm\nFREE\n\nThe Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, in collaboration with Kim Tran (from Desai and Tran Consulting)\, presents: From Ally to Activated: Breaking Barriers to Community Action.\n \n\nIt’s easy to see injustice or harmful behavior—online\, in our communities\, or in politics—and feel unsure about what to do. This workshop focuses on overcoming the personal challenges that prevent us from speaking up and stepping in. \n  \nWhether you’re a parent trying to protect a school\, a neighbor trying to protect the folks next door\, or simply a community member who doesn’t quite know how\, when\, or where to show up\, join us to find some direction and build resilience. \n  \nWhat We Will Cover:  \n  \n\n• Common fears\, doubts\, and social pressures that can keep us silent and stuck in moments that matter\n\n• Figuring out how and where to start\n\n• Juggling time\, fear\, and burnout\n\n\nTogether\, we’ll practice strategies for safely and effectively overcoming personal obstacles so that we can each take meaningful community action. \n  \nEvent is free to the public\, but registration is required. \n\nRegister URL:https://oacc.cc/event/activated/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Redesigned-Get-Activated-FB-1080-x-1080-px-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260125T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20251229T212949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T213238Z UID:22767-1769349600-1769356800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Reparations: A Film by Jon Osaki DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, January 25\n2-4 pm\nFREE\nJoin us for a screening of Reparations\, a documentary by Jon Osaki about the four-century struggle to seek repair and atonement for slavery in the United States. In the film\, Black and Asian Americans reflect on the legacy of slavery\, the inequities that persist\, and the critical role that solidarity between communities has in acknowledging and addressing systemic racism in America. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmaker Jon Osaki\, attorney Donald K. Tamaki\, and Pastor Michael McBride.  \n  \nThis program is part of OACC’s Black and Asian Solidarity programming. It is free to attend\, but registration is requested. \n \n Register\n \nABOUT THE PANELISTS \n \nJon Osaki \n  \nJon Osaki is an award-winning filmmaker who has directed and produced promotional\, educational\, narrative\, and documentary films. His initial interest in film grew from his desire to raise awareness of critical social justice issues he has encountered over this thirty-year career as a youth development activist. Jon’s filmmaking is focused on activism and narrative change through which he has addressed issues such as the targeting of immigrant communities\, reparations for the Black community\, and the model minority myth. His films have been screened on Capitol Hill in Washington DC\, at national policy conferences\, the National Judicial College\, film festivals\, and broadcast nationally. \n \nDonald K. Tamaki \n  \nDonald K. Tamaki is a Senior Counsel at Minami Tamaki LLP\, a past board member of the Glide Foundation\, and the current board president of the San Francisco Japantown Foundation. Tamaki served on the team that reopened the landmark Supreme Court case of Korematsu v. the United States\, which overturned Fred Korematsu’s conviction. \n  \nIn 2021\, Tamaki was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to serve as the only non-Black American on the California Reparations Task Force. The nine-member task force produced the groundbreaking California Reparations Report\, which comprehensively documents the cumulative impact of four centuries of enslavement\, Jim Crow oppression\, and segregation\, and recommends legislative actions to address the resulting harms. \n \nPastor Michael McBride \n  \nPastor Michael McBride is regarded as a national faith leader. He helps connect and support millennials and religious institutions working on racial justice and black liberation. He has served on a number of local and national task forces with the White House and Department of Justice regarding gun violence prevention\, boys and men of color and police-community relationships. In March 2012\, he became the Director for the Lifelines to Healing/LIVE FREE Campaign with Faith In Action\, and is a co-founder of Community Justice Reform Coalition and the National Black Brown Gun Violence Prevention Consortium. A graduate of Duke University’s Divinity School\, Pastor McBride founded The Way Christian Center in West Berkeley\, where he presently serves as the Lead Pastor. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/reparations-film/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Reparations-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260204 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260315 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260114T160348Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T185220Z UID:22798-1770163200-1773532799@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Topaz Toddlers Exhibition: Children’s Art from an American Concentration Camp DESCRIPTION:On view February 4-March 14\nWed-Sat\, 12 noon-5 pm\n \nFREE\nThis exhibit showcases the art\, stories\, and history of preschoolers incarcerated at Utah’s WWII Japanese American incarceration camp\, Topaz. Despite unjust imprisonment\, these toddlers experienced preschool life much like other American children\, taught by dedicated Japanese American teachers. More than 70 years later\, a collection of art created by the preschoolers resurfaced. Over 20 of the Topaz preschoolers—who are now elders in their 80s—have been interviewed and reunited with their art pieces. The exhibition was researched\, interpreted\, and designed in collaboration with current college students and an early childhood education scholar\, working alongside community members to share new perspectives and analysis. \n  \nA panel discussion was held on February 22 with speakers who discussed the preschoolers’ artwork and the project that located nearly 30 of them\, as well as background on preschool education at Topaz\, analysis of the artwork from an early childhood education research perspective\, and reflections and reactions from some of the “toddler” artists.  \n  \nThe exhibition and panel discussion are sponsored by The Topaz Museum\, The Takahashi Foundation\, The Anthropological Studies Center at Sonoma State University\, and The Koret Foundation. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/topaz-toddlers/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events,Upcoming Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Topaz-Toddlers-FB-1080-x-1080-px-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260207T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20251225T030557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T212416Z UID:22758-1770462000-1770480000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Lunar New Year x Black History Month 2026: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, February 7\, 2026\n11 AM – 4 PM\nFREE\n \n REGISTER\n \nOACC’s biggest event returns for its 4th year this February. Join us for a joyous convergence of Asian + African American solidarity at our Lunar New Year x Black History Month Celebration!

 It will feature lion dancers\, drummers\, performers\, arts & crafts\, a Kids + Teens Zone curated by Storyland Collective\, a marketplace of local artisans\, and free admission for all ages!  \n  \nSchedule of Events \n  \n11:00 am: Toishan Association Lion Dancers (Auditorium) \n11:30 am: MPWRD\, Filipino Dance (Auditorium) \n  \n11:45 PM: Intermission 1 \n  \n12 noon: Kid’s Storytime with Dr. Janay Brown-Wood: Jam\, Too? and Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep (Room 4)1:00 pm: Patty Chu’s Chinese Dance Troupe (Auditorium)1:15 pm: Bantaba Drum Call and Comrade Lover Lion Dancers (Auditorium) \n  \n1:45 PM: Intermission 2 \n  \n2:00 pm: Teen Storytime with Aimee Phan: The Lost Queen (Room 4)3:00 pm: Urisawe Korean Dance and Drumming (Auditorium)3:15 pm: Sambafunk! (Auditorium) \n  \nThis event is part of OACC’s ongoing Open E.A.R.S. for Change initiative\, which started in 2020 to build stronger relationships among local APIA and Black communities.  \n  \nThank you to our generous sponsors Weylin & Roselyn Eng; our funders the California Arts Council\, Hella Heart Oakland\, California Department of Social Services\, and the City of Oakland; our presenting partner\, Malonga Arts Residents Association (MARA); our marketing partner the National Council of Negro Women Alameda County; and partners EastWind Books and Marcus Books. \n  \nGetting to OACC: \n  \nThere is an underground parking lot below the Pacific Renaissance Plaza. There are two entrances to the parking lot; one located on Franklin & the other on Webster. Parking is $4 per hour. To get to our suite\, take the elevator to the 2nd floor. OACC is the first suite on the left when you leave the elevator. The area has multiple bus lines\, and we are within walking distance of 12th Street BART and Lake Merritt BART station. \n  \nThere are also a few other parking lots nearby: \n  \nAki Parking \n435 8th St (4-minute walk to OACC) \n$3 an hour\, $12 for the day \n  \nEast Bay Parking \n726 Harrison St\, Chinatown (8 minute walk to OACC) \n$4 an hour \n  \nDouglas Parking Lot #475 \n420 Washington St Old Oakland (13-minute walk to OACC) \n$4 an hour URL:https://oacc.cc/event/lny-bhm-2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Celebrating-Asian-African-American-Solidarity.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260213T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260213T130000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260121T225442Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T225727Z UID:22841-1770984000-1770987600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:February Mending Circle DESCRIPTION:Friday\, February 13\n12 noon–1 pm\nFREE\nDo you have socks that need repair? Are you curious about visible mending? Do you like keeping clothing out of landfills? If you answered yes to any of these\, or just want company while you sew\, join us for our next Mending Circle at OACC on Friday\, Jan 13\, at 12 noon. \n  \nThere will be no instructor\, but we will provide basic materials including thread\, needles\, a sewing machine and some patches. Please bring items that you would like to repair. No registration is necessary. \n  \nFor questions\, email us at classes@oacc.cc URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mending-feb2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mending-Circle-Evergreen-Preview-White-Background.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260222T160000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260120T072722Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T042457Z UID:22815-1771768800-1771776000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Honoring Day of Remembrance: Children’s Art from an American Concentration Camp DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, February 222-4 pm\nFREE\nJoin us for a Day of Remembrance panel discussion with Dr. Ayumi Nagase and Dana Shew on “Topaz Toddlers: Children’s Art From an American Concentration Camp.” \n  \nThe panelists will discuss the preschoolers’ artwork and the project that located nearly 30 of them\, as well as background on preschool education at Topaz\, analysis of the artwork from an early childhood education research perspective\, and reflections and reactions from some of the “toddler” artists.  \n  \nThis panel discussion is paired  with the “Topaz Toddlers” exhibit on display in the OACC Gallery 1\, which showcases the art\, stories\, and history of preschoolers incarcerated at Utah’s WWII Japanese American incarceration camp\, Topaz. A reception will follow the panel discussion. \n  \nThe panel discussion and exhibition are sponsored by The Topaz Museum\, The Takahashi Foundation\, The Anthropological Studies Center at Sonoma State University\, and The Koret Foundation. They are free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below. \n \n Register for Panel Discussion\n \nPANELIST BIOGRAPHIES\n \nDr. Ayumi Nagase \nDr. Ayumi Nagase is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Studies at Sonoma State University. Originally from Kumamoto\, Japan\, she received her Ph.D. in Human Development from UC Berkeley after moving to the Bay Area. Her work focuses on advancing equity and access to high-quality care for children and families\, especially concerning parents’ mental health issues in underrepresented communities. She has contributed to international and local research projects\, including the Berkeley Parenting Self-Efficacy study and research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected families and young children in Northern California. \n \nDana Ogo Shew \nDana Ogo Shew serves as the Interpretive Specialist and Oral Historian at the Anthropological Studies Center at Sonoma State University and is a Certified Interpretive Planner (NAI) with over 15 years of experience in oral history and interpretation. She received her M.A. from the University of Denver\, where she completed an archaeological thesis that explored the lives of women at Colorado’s WWII Japanese incarceration camp\, Amache. Her work with Japanese American history continues today through a variety of projects that range from oral history projects to exhibits to interpretive plans. In addition to this work\, Ms. Shew is active in cultural resources management and public outreach\, engaging with a diverse range of communities\, partners\, agencies\, and stakeholders. She is also currently serving as the Interim Director of the Anthropological Studies Center. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/day-of-remembrance-2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Topaz-Toddlers-FB-1080-x-1080-px-v2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260228T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260228T130000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20251218T155311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T203515Z UID:22743-1772280000-1772283600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Bilingual Bike Commuting Basics Workshop (Cantonese and English) DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, February 28\n12 noon-1 pm\nFREE\n New to bike commuting or just curious about how to make it work better for you? This welcoming workshop is your starting point for building confidence\, learning skills\, and finding joy in the ride. This one-hour bilingual workshop is presented by Bike East Bay in partnership with the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. We’ll be teaching the class in both Cantonese and English!  \nAt this workshop\, you’ll learn how to: \n• Set up your bike for comfort\, utility\, and style \n• Navigate bike infrastructure and urban streets with confidence \n• Discover tips\, tools\, and routes that make biking part of your everyday life \nThis class is made possible by funding from the Alameda County Transportation Commission. \n \n Register URL:https://oacc.cc/event/bike-basics/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Bike-Commuting-Feb-28-English-1080-x-1080.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260306T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260306T130000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260303T201924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T202235Z UID:22986-1772798400-1772802000@oacc.cc SUMMARY:March Mending Circle DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 6\n12 noon–1 pm\nFREE\nDo you have socks that need repair? Are you curious about visible mending? Do you like keeping clothing out of landfills? If you answered yes to any of these\, or just want company while you sew\, join us for our next Mending Circle at OACC on Friday\, Mar 6\, at 12 noon. \n  \nThere will be no instructor\, but we will provide basic materials including thread\, needles\, a sewing machine and some patches. Please bring items that you would like to repair. No registration is necessary. \n  \nFor questions\, email us at classes@oacc.cc URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mending-feb2026-2/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mending-Circle-Evergreen-Preview-White-Background.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260315T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260219T084830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T084959Z UID:22932-1773579600-1773586800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Tales of the Tofu Goddess: A Tribute to the Artful Life of Flo Oy Wong DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, March 151:00-3:00 pm\nFREE\nJoin us for two short documentaries celebrating the life and art of Flo Oy Wong—Tales of the Tofu Goddess: The Artful Life of Flo Oy Wong\, and Drawn from Life: The Creative Legacy of Flo Oy Wong. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A with Flo Oy Wong\, historian Roy Chan of the Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project\, and film director Andi Wong. Post program\, attendees are invited to a walking tour with Roy Chan to the 723 Legacy Mural\, a large-scale mural by artist Desi Mundo located 7 minutes from the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. The mural incorporates drawings from Flo Oy Wong’s Oakland Chinatown series. \n  \nThis event is co-presented by the CATS Contemporary Asian Theater Scene and the Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project. It is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below. \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \nPARTICIPANT BIOGRAPHIES\n \nFlo Oy Wong\, co-founder of the San Francisco-based Asian American Women Artists Association\, is an artist\, poet\, and educator. She is the recipient of three National Endowment for the Arts awards\, and has been a visiting artist at various colleges and universities. She has also been featured in articles in multiple publications. Growing up in Oakland Chinatown\, she spoke her family’s ancestral dialect\, Hoisan-wa. In 2018\, Flo published her art and poetry book\, Dreaming of Glistening Pomelos\, inspired by her childhood. Contemporary Asian Theater Scene presented Wong with their 2022 Image Hero Award. You can find more of her work at flooywong.ddns.net \n \nRoy Chan is an Oakland-based oral historian and urban planner committed to using the power of storytelling to build community and empower local residents to have a voice in the local decision-making process. Since 2007\, he has been director of the Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project/AAPI Elder Voices Project and was previously Co-Executive Director at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Roy has previously practiced architecture and city planning in San Francisco\, New York\, and Los Angeles\, and is currently a program director at National CAPACD. Learn more about his oral history project at www.chinatownmemories.org \n \nAndi Wong has a special interest in exploring the materials and languages of art. A fifth generation Chinese American\, Andi researches and records history\, helping to preserve the important contributions of artists. As project coordinator for ArtsEd4All\, (Arts Education for Lifelong Learning)\, she enjoys playing with others\, applying imagination and creativity\, in service of community. Her creative partners include the Blue Mind Collective\, Del Sol Quartet\, First Voice—Brenda Wong Aoki and Mark Izu\, Internet Archive\, composer/musician Marcus Shelby and The Last Hoisan Poets—Genny Lim\, Flo Oy Wong and Nellie Wong. Learn more about her work at artsed4all.org URL:https://oacc.cc/event/tofu-goddess/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tofu-Goddess-Preview-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260318 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260524 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260226T194319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T224303Z UID:22956-1773792000-1779580799@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Our Language\, Our Story: Photos by Joyce Xi DESCRIPTION:On view: March 18-May 23\, Wednesday-Saturday 12 noon–5 pm\nOpening reception: Saturday\, April 4\, 4-6pm\n\nFREE\nOur Language\, Our Story is a photo storytelling project by photographer Joyce Xi. It uplifts the stories and lived experiences of Bay Area immigrants through the lens of language. The exhibit\, featuring stories from 20+ community members in 10+ languages\, celebrates Bay Area immigrants\, refugees and language justice. Through each person’s own words and photos\, it explores the joys and challenges of experiencing the world in one’s mother tongue\, and the barriers when it is not available. \nThe public is invited to an artist reception with Joyce Xi on Saturday\, April 4\, from 4-6 pm. Light refreshments will be served. The reception is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below. \nOur Language\, Our Story was created in partnership with the Asian Law Caucus and in collaboration with community organizations including PODER\, Chinese Progressive Association (CPA)\, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI)\, Trabajadores Unidos Workers United (TUWU)\, Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN)\, California Karen Youth Connection (CKYC)\, Filipino Community Center (FCC)\, Meadi Wellness\, California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA)\, and Asian Health Services. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister for Artist Reception\n \nABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER\n \nJoyce Xi is a community photographer and activist based in the Bay Area. Her work \ncovers Asian American and immigrant communities\, solidarity building\, and social \nmovements. She makes photos as a way to envision and create a more just and free \nworld\, and works in relationship with the people\, communities\, and organizations \ninvolved. Her work has been exhibited across the Bay Area – most recently at the Yerba \nBuena Center for the Arts and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, in media publications\, \nand as part of advocacy campaigns. She was an awardee for the California Creative \nCorps Initiative\, which helped support the Our Language\, Our Story project and exhibit. You can find her work online at joycexiphotography.mypixieset.com. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/joyce-xi/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events,Upcoming Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Joyce-Xi-Exhibition-PREVIEW-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T210000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260227T233159Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T194052Z UID:22970-1774033200-1774040400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Celebrating Our HeART-filled Heritage: Nowruz with the Persian Classical Trio DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 207:00-9:00 pm\n(doors open at 6:30 pm)\n  \nFREE\nJoin us for an evening of Persian culture in celebration of Nowruz\, the Persian New Year. We are pleased to welcome the Persian Classical Trio (musicians Pezhham Akhavass\, Aryan Rahmanian\, and Ashkan Ghafouri)\, and the Pezhham Tombak Ensemble to the OACC stage. They dedicate their performance to the cherished memory of the beloved Iranians who lost their lives on the 18-19 of Dey (January 7-8)\, the martyrs of Iran’s path to freedom. Their memories live on through art\, culture\, and community. \n  \nThe concert will be preceded by a calligraphy demonstration by artist Arash Shirinbab at 6:45 pm\, and a mini vendor market. If you would like to vend in the mini vendor market\, please apply at this link by March 15. \n  \nThis event is part of the OACC “Celebrating our HeART-Filled Heritage” (COHH) series. COHH platforms local Asian and Pacific Islander performing artists and brings their artistry to diverse East Bay audiences. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below.  \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \nABOUT NOWRUZ\nNowruz (meaning “New Day” in Persian) marks the arrival of spring and has been celebrated across West Asia\, Central Asia\, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin\, the Balkans\, and South Asia for over 3\,000 years. Ritual traditions include spring cleaning\, a 13-day celebration with visits\, gifts\, and feasts\, and gathering family around the Haft-Sin—a beautifully arranged table set with seven symbolic items (wheat sprouts for rebirth\, apples for beauty\, coins for prosperity\, and more – decorated with candles\, goldfish\, and colored eggs).  \nABOUT THE PERSIAN CLASSICAL TRIO\nPezhham Akhavass was born in 1980 in Iran. He began studying the tombak at the age of five under Naser Farhanghfar and later continued his training with Saeid Roudbary. He earned his BA and MA degrees in music from San Francisco State University and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY). Akhavass has performed internationally with Shahram Nazeri and Zakir Hussain\, and appeared with Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl. He continues to perform\, teach\, and collaborate on projects promoting Persian music worldwide. \n  \nAryan Rahmanian was born in 1976 in Iran and began studying Persian classical music at fifteen\, focusing on vocal performance and the tar. He trained under distinguished masters including Mohammad Reza Lotfi\, Nasrollah Nasehpoor\, and Mohsen Keramati. His wide intellectual interests in philosophy\, history\, and ethnomusicology have led him to author several books on music philosophy and Middle Eastern music theory. He has produced multiple albums featuring original compositions inspired by Rumi’s poetry and has performed at major international festivals worldwide. \n  \nAshkan Ghafouri was born in 1967 in Tehran\, Iran. He studied traditional and contemporary tar techniques and the Persian radif under Hooshang Zarif and later refined his artistry with Mohammad Reza Lotfi. He also studied harmony and composition with Farhad Fakhredini. Ghafouri co-authored a textbook on the Persian modal system and transcribed the radif of Morteza Neydavood. In 2001\, he founded Tarschool in California. An active performer and educator\, he has appeared internationally and published Tar Book in 2019. \nABOUT THE CALLIGRAPHER\n \nArash Shirinbab an award-winning Arabic and Persian calligrapher based in Oakland. His work has been featured in over 80 exhibitions around the world. His work is part of private collections and prominent museums worldwide\, including the Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy in Moscow and the Abgineh Museum in Tehran. Arash’s art draws from the rich traditions of Near Eastern lettering and calligraphy\, reimagining them in contemporary forms such as calligraffiti\, painting\, ceramics\, digital art\, and installations. For over 12 years\, he has dedicated his practice to public education\, leading workshops and lectures that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern Bay Area life. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/persian-classical/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nowruz-2026-Preview-1080-x-1080-px-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260403T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260403T130000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260327T192619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T192722Z UID:23133-1775217600-1775221200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:April Mending Circle DESCRIPTION:Friday\, April 3\n12 noon–1 pm\nFREE\nDo you have socks that need repair? Are you curious about visible mending? Do you like keeping clothing out of landfills? If you answered yes to any of these\, or just want company while you sew\, join us for our next Mending Circle at OACC on Friday\, Mar 6\, at 12 noon. \n  \nThere will be no instructor\, but we will provide basic materials including thread\, needles\, a sewing machine and some patches. Please bring items that you would like to repair. No registration is necessary. \n  \nFor questions\, email us at classes@oacc.cc URL:https://oacc.cc/event/mending-apr2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Mending-Circle-Evergreen-Preview-White-Background.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260411T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260323T211521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T211642Z UID:23100-1775908800-1775919600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Southeast Asian New Year Celebration 2026 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, April 11\, 2026\n12 noon-3 pm\nFREE\nJoin us at OACC for a colorful\, family-friendly celebration of the New Year across Southeast Asia. The program will feature the luminous Cambodian youth of the Khmer Amathak Dance Troupe\, a Iu Mien red egg and yarn workshop\, a Southeast Asian vendor marketplace\, and more! \n  \nThis program is co-presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI). The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below. \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \nAbout the Khmer Amathak Dance Troupe\n \nAt the heart of CERI’s mission to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage is the Khmer Amathak Dance Troupe\, a vibrant\, youth-led ensemble dedicated to honoring and carrying forward the rich tradition of Cambodian dance. Guided by Moragaut Souet-Samonn\, a passionate young leader deeply rooted in her heritage\, the troupe embodies youth leadership\, artistic expression\, and community healing. \n  \nMore than an art form\, Khmer classical dance offers these young girls a pathway to healing and empowerment. Through the intricate\, graceful movements passed down for generations\, they build confidence\, strengthen cultural pride\, and pay tribute to the artist ancestors whose lives were lost during the Khmer Rouge genocide. \n  \nPerforming regularly at community and cultural events\, the dancers bring to life the elegance and beauty of the Apsaras\, celestial dancers of the gods\, sharing their heritage with grace\, pride\, and resilience. \n  \nPhoto by Kenneth Wong \nAbout CERI\nThe Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (CERI) cultivates the healing\, advocacy\, and empowerment of refugee and immigrant communities affected by war\, torture\, genocide\, and other life-altering traumas. They foster resilient communities that live with joy\, determination\, purpose and love\, and weave together their intergenerational resilience into a holistic model of community mental health care. Learn more at cerieastbay.org. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/sea-ny-2026/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SEAsian-NY-2026-1080-x-1080.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260418T180000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260323T185428Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T190026Z UID:23090-1776528000-1776535200@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Echoes of Eureka: A Youth Opera Bridging History and Hope DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, April 18\, 2026\n4-6 pm\n(doors open at 3:45 pm)\nFREE\nExplore a fascinating chapter of the Chinese American experience in California through Echoes of Eureka\, a multimedia exploration of history\, immigration\, and reparations. Eric Tuan’s opera Echoes of Eureka tells the true story of the 1885 expulsion of the Chinese community in Humboldt and their subsequent fight for justice and dignity. The performers are 40 youth voices from the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir\, who have presented the piece to critical acclaim in the Bay Area\, in Humboldt County in collaboration with AAPI community partners\, and on tour in Europe.  \n  \nThe opera will be paired with a screening of Chisato Hughes’ powerful film Many Moons\, in which Chinese community members search for survivors of the Humboldt 1885 expulsion and 60 years of enforced exclusion. The only known survivor is Charlie Moon\, whose descendants are Native tribal members. Moon’s story is one of those told in Echoes of Eureka. \n  \nThe screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Tuan and Hughes. They will discuss the genesis of the opera and film and explore this little known facet of California’s history. \n  \nThis program is co-presented by the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir\, in partnership with the Humboldt Asians and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (HAPI)\, Vox Aurea\, the Eureka Chinatown Project and the National Endowment for the Arts. The event is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below. \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \nABOUT THE ARTISTS\n \nThe Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir \nThe internationally acclaimed Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir (PEBCC) offers children throughout San Francisco’s East Bay an outstanding program of music training and choral performance. Started in 1982 by founding Executive Director Susan Rahl with Artistic Director Emeritus Robert Geary\, the Choir has performed with renowned artists including John Denver\,  Joyce DiDonato\, and regional symphony orchestras. In addition to vigorous programming of innovative new music\, the Choir is a leading force in international choral activities\, with far-reaching collaborations\, high marks in competitions world-wide\, and the establishment of the Golden Gate International Children’s and Youth Choral Festival in 1991. \n \nEric Tuan \nRecognized for his adventurous programming and passion for musical excellence\, Artistic Director and Composer Eric Tuan brings a wealth of experience in the choral arts to the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. He currently serves as the director of the Stanford Early Music Singers\, and served for twelve years as founding Artistic Director of the chamber chorus Convivium and Director of Music at Christ Episcopal Church\, Los Altos. Widely commissioned as a composer\, Tuan’s choral music frequently draws on his background as the descendant of Chinese\, Japanese\, and Filipino immigrants to highlight aspects of the AAPI experience. \n \nChisa Hughes \nChisato (Chisa) Hughes uses film to explore new forms of relating and worldbuilding. Their first film\, Many Moons\, asks questions about ghosts and placemaking today—looking at the history of Chinese expulsions in Humboldt County\, where they grew up\, and the webs of relation between Chinese people and Native people that formed out of / despite the violence of settlement. Many Moons premiered at CAAMFest and has since acquired distribution with Third World Newsreel. Chisa will be directing their first fiction screenplay\, Behind the Horizon Line\, this fall with timetides cooperative—inspired by the work of poet Etel Adnan about borders and their afterlives. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/echoes-eureka/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Echoes-of-Eureka-FB-1080-x-1080.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260425T140000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260326T233054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T210412Z UID:23119-1777118400-1777125600@oacc.cc SUMMARY:The OACC 2026 Interactive Artist Showcase DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, April 25\, 2026\n12-2 pm\nFREE\nJoin us for OACC’s 2nd annual artist showcase\, featuring the dynamic talents who teach and study at OACC! Enjoy free popcorn\, performances and art from richly diverse lineages\, from bellydance to hip-hop to Mongolian folk\, and meet the OACC teachers and students in person. The program lineup includes: \n  \n• Patty Chu’s Chinese Folk Dance Troupe \n• Chinese Music Lessons \n• Shabnam Belly Dance \n• Dance-A-Vision \n• Swing Dancing with Joe Rivera and Brenna Hall \n• GER Mongolian Youth \n• Calligraphy by Mr. Liu \n  \nThis year’s showcase is produced by Carla Service of Dance-A-Vision Entertainment. It is free to attend\, but registration is requested at the link below. \n \n Register for Free Tickets\n \n \nAbout Carla Service Dance-A-Vision Entertainment \nDance-A-Vision Entertainment has been in operation for over thirty-five years and has been recognized by the City of Oakland for Carla Service’s commitment to youth. Carla founded Dance-A-Vision as a safe place for the youth of Oakland to retreat during hardships in the home and to grow skills for healthier lives through dance. Today\, Carla offers classes to youth ages 3.5-15 years old in creative movement\, acting\, and hip-hop\, giving them a grasp of early technical foundations and the space to explore their imaginations and bodies in space. Carla also provides entertainment consultation for cruise ships\, resorts\, and entrepreneurs looking to create their own business in the dance/entertainment world\, as well as casting calls\, choreography\, and more. Many of her clients have gone on to open up their own dance studios\, perform in their dream location\, and work with the industry’s top stars. To learn more about classes and consultation with Carla\, visit dance-a-vision.weebly.com. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/oacc-showcase-26/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Interactive-Artist-Showcase-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260426T170000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260331T221747Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T223148Z UID:23139-1777208400-1777222800@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Tea & Tiles: A Sunday Social With 13 Orphans DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, April 26\, 2026\n1-5 pm\n$22\n\nJoin 13 Orphans for a laid-back Sunday of tea\, tiles\, and good company at OACC. Tea & Tiles is a casual mahjong social for all\, from seasoned players to curious beginners. Sip on signature teatails\, enjoy bites\, and settle into the rhythm of the game.  Mahjong coaches will be available to teach\, guide\, and jump into games\, so you can play with confidence. \nAttendees can also visit a curated mini market of local artisans. Come with your friends\, auntie or come solo. Tables are open\, energy is warm\, and there’s always a seat waiting. \n\nRegister for Tickets\n \nABOUT 13 ORPHANS \n13 Orphans is a mahjong den and speakeasy built on community\, culture\, and connection with thoughtfully crafted cocktails & mocktails inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine elements and tea culture. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/tea-tiles/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tea-Tiles-FB-1080-x-1080-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T101501 CREATED:20260326T234447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T215414Z UID:23126-1777813200-1777820400@oacc.cc SUMMARY:Strong Like Bamboo DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, May 3\, 2026\n1-3 pm\n\nStrong Like Bamboo brings together seven American storytellers of multiple ethnic and cultural origins. Their stories of racism\, courage and wisdom will inspire\, bring together and humanize audiences as we learn from each other and know that we are not alone. As allies\, we know that we can rely on each other to get us through difficult times. \nThis program is presented by Eth-noh-tec and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, and is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts\, the G&G Education Fund\, and private donors. \nRegister for tickets (suggested donation $20) at the link below. All proceeds will support both OACC and Eth-noh-tec. \n\nRegister for Tickets\n \nABOUT THE ARTISTS \nJohnny Moses is a Tualip Native American master storyteller\, oral historian\, author\, healer and spiritual leader. He is a living link with Pacific Northwest ancestral philosophy and cultural practices. He has regaled thousands and thousands with his stories and is fluent in 8 native languages and the traditional sign language\, having learned stories since he was a child from his grandparents and tribal elders. \nTureeda Mikell is an Oakland native\, Poet in Residence at MoAd\, original Black Panther alum\, Story Medicine Woman\, Poet\, Author and Educator. She has published 73 at-risk student anthologies from 5 Bay Area counties. She is an activist for holism and hell-bent on asserting life. She is Berkeley Poetry Festival’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. \nOlga Loya is a nationally known Latina storyteller\, performance artist\, keynote speaker and author. She is known for dramatically mixing Spanish and English in her telling. Her repertoire reveals the diversity and richness for collective culture in its commonality and individuality. \nAsma Ghanem is a Syrian-born Palestinian awarded artist best known for her short documentary film “Wall Piano” (2020). She was raised in a refugee camp with her family\, able to attend the International Academy of Art Palestine and received her Master of Fine Arts from Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Toulouse in France. \nLaura Sims\, born Jewish in NYC\, is an internationally acclaimed storyteller\, writer and educator who advocates that engaged storytelling is compassionate action for personal and community transformation. She is a wizard with words that inspire and evoke inner musings that help to heal and understand who we are as complex human beings trying to make sense of our worlds. \nArchy Jamun is a Chicago-based storyteller\, writer\, and curator of ‘Outspoken LGBT Stories’. He is a 2-time Moth Grand Slam winner known for performances that are both humorous and biting\, deep\, revealing and touching. He lets his audiences become part of his many adventures within his Thai family and in his outside world. \nEth-Noh-Tec\, a kinetic Asian American storytelling non-profit\, was founded in 1981 by Nancy Wang\, actor\, dancer and choreographer\, and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo\, actor\, musician and composer. Our mission is to build cultural bridges that celebrate diversity and create compassionate communities through the art of storytelling. ENT is an award winning non-profit and has performed around the world to standing ovations with their unique form of movement storytelling laced with gesture and musicality\, including performances for the Clinton and Obama Inaugural Celebrations in DC. With both ancient Asian folktales and inspiring contemporary Asian American stories\, Eth-Noh-Tec’s artists are also authors and are presently archiving over 200 performance pieces. URL:https://oacc.cc/event/strong-bamboo-26/ LOCATION:Oakland Asian Cultural Center\, 388 9th St. #290\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Featured,Upcoming Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oacc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Strong-Like-Bamboo-FB-1080-x-1080-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Oakland Asian Cultural Center":MAILTO:programs@oacc.cc END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR