"Not East Versus West" is the theme for today's programming, reflecting our goal of ending the notion that people from Asia and the Pacific Islands are "perpetual foreigners" no matter how long they have lived in this country. The editors of the Asian American Literary Review will kick things off at the Talkstory stage at 11 a.m., focusing on stories about immigration.

Later panels will discuss issues such as how local APA leaders find time to give back to their communities, how new technologies are affecting APAs, how APAs can get involved in government service, and how APA programs at local universities are shaping the APA community. A highlight will be when younger members of the community, including APA Festival intern Chloe Ith, share the stage with Maryland State Representative Kris Valderrama at 12:30 p.m. to discuss "The Future of APAs."

Thai, Cambodian, Pakistani, and Chinese cooking traditions will share the Tea House stage, and Chinese paper-cutting, Urdu writing, Chinese calligraphy, and Mongolian mask-making will be at the Family Activities tent.

The Cambodian American Heritage group will start the day at the Asian Fusions performance stage at 11 a.m., followed by the Somapa Thai Dance Company, Nen Daiko's Japanese drumming, Sur Obsession, and a Closing Ceremony at 5 p.m.

Please join us!

Phil Tajitsu Nash is the curator of the Asian Pacific Americans program at the 2010 Folklife Festival.