APANO: Cultural Series Launches with Solidarity Film Screening

PORTLAND, ORE. – APANO is once again proud to launch MicCheck!, its flagship cultural event series from July through October. MicCheck! utilizes the arts to illuminate pressing issues affecting Asians and Pacific Islanders (APIs) and multiracial communities of color.

This year’s series will focus on solidarity-building between APIs and other communities of color, with all six events featuring established and emerging API artists who break stereotypes, question assumptions about our communities, and shift dominant cultural narratives.

MicCheck! kicks off with a free community film screening of "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs" on July 25 at North Portland Library.

"American Revolutionary" tells the inspiring story of a Chinese American writer, activist, and philosopher rooted for more than 70 years in the African American movement.

This film of interracial solidarity will be followed by a panel discussion featuring members of Black Lives Matter Portland, All-African People's Revolutionary Party, Washco Solidarity, Don't Shoot PDX, and Portland Asians4BlackLives.

“It is especially important for us to stand together and build bridges within today’s political climate,” writes APANO member Jillian Toda.

Organizers of MicCheck! strive to uphold the intersection of arts, social justice, and community partnership. The series this year also includes a variety of programs including public performances at the Jade International Night Market, a full-day East Portland Arts & Literary Festival, and more.

Participating artists use visual art, music, dance, theatre, and more to speak our truths and illustrate what justice looks, feels, and sounds like for our communities.

Before the events begin, APANO will also host a Twitter Town Hall to talk about art and activism on Friday, July 21 at 12pm.

MicCheck! events are planned by APANO’s Arts & Media Project (AMP).

 The full lineup of this year’s MicCheck! events can be found at www.apano.org/mic-check.