NOW Live from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center

Hi there! My name is Andrea Park, I am a rising senior double majoring in Anthropology and Women’s and Gender Studies at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.

My primary task at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program is assisting staff members with a forthcoming exhibition. It is the first exhibition that holistically focuses on the long, yet overlooked, history of APAs in the United States. We are in the final stages of compiling and editing the written materials for the exhibition, and beginning to brainstorm ideas for the supplementary website. As a web publications enthusiast, I am particularly excited about the potential for the exhibition website. Hopefully, it will be an engaging, interactive space to learn and share about the rich and diverse experiences of APAs in the United States.

In addition to the exhibition, I am conducting background research for my senior honors thesis on Asian Americans and hip hop. With the helpful guidance of Konrad Ng, I’ve been able to narrow my focus on to West Coast Korean American MCs and Asian American masculinity. The Anacostia Museum’s library has been an invaluable resource for the general history of hip hop in the United States. I also look forward to using The National Museum of American History and the Library of Congress. With a definite niche carved out within this broad topic, I will soon be ready to research more race and gender specific aspects of my thesis.

This summer has been the first time I’ve ever worked with an APA organization. It’s been such an enriching and empowering experience meeting, learning, and cooperating with such a dynamic group of people dedicated to enriching the public’s appreciation of APA history and culture. I am inspired to carry on their spirit and aim in my future works. I would like to give sincere thanks to each and every APAP staff member and intern for making this summer a wonderfully fun and productive experience! Thank you!