Events are open to the public free of charge. Please visit our Eventbrite or Facebook page to view event schedules. If you would like to attend, please arrive on time. For events that require registration in advance, a registration link will be provided in the announcement.
Note: ID card is required for entry.
February 2017
Black History Month Film Screening “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin”
Time: Thursday, February 9, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Moderator: Andrew Riplinger, U.S. Consulate Officer
Come celebrate Black History Month at the American Center and watch clips from the documentary “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.” This film discusses the life and activism of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, a visionary strategist and activist who has been called “the unknown hero” of the civil rights movement. Rustin was a fierce advocate not only for racial justice alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but he also lived as an openly gay man during a time of immense homophobia. Because of his bravery, President Barack Obama awarded Bayard Rustin a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian honor. After showing clips from this documentary, Consular Officer Andrew Riplinger will facilitate a discussion about the intersection of racial justice and sexual liberation within the civil rights movement.
APEC 101: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Vietnam
Time: Friday, February 10, 2:15 – 4:00pm
Speaker: Dawson Law, Economics Officer, U.S. Embassy Hanoi
Vietnam has the honor of hosting the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, which will culminate with the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Danang this fall. U.S. Embassy Economics Officer Dawson Law will visit HCMC from Hanoi to discuss this monumental occasion. Come for an interesting discussion and learn about APEC from an expert!
Debate Club
Time: Friday, February 10, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Facilitator: Vivian Minh Le, Boren Scholar
Join us for our first debate club session of the new year! During this session, we will review concepts previously covered including how to build and structure a debate argument. The new concept we will be learning this time is how to respond to an argument effectively, also known as refutations or rebutting an argument. This is an invaluable skill that will help you strengthen your own arguments. Hope to see you there!
Black History Month Theme
Black History Month Movie Screening: The Loving Story
Time: Tuesday, February 14, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Facilitator: Alena Joseph, U.S. Consulate Information Officer
Come watch the emotional journey of Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter as they marry and have children – then have their marriage declared illegal by the state of Virginia, solely because he was white and she was Black/Native American. An interesting discussion facilitated by a U.S. Consulate Officer will follow. Bring your friends and enjoy this insprirational story!
International Student Experiences in U.S. Education: Engaging in the Positive and Overcoming the Challenges (Edu)
Time: Friday, February 17, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Speakers: Leslie Bohon, Ph.D. ,International Education Consultant, ESL Specialist,and Jackie Montero Assistant Director of Admission, St. Margaret’s School, Tappahannock, VA USA
It is an exciting opportunity to study in a foreign country! Many profound and positive experiences await students, such as personal growth and increased intercultural understanding. Of course, attending educational institutions abroad also has its challenges – such as language struggles and adapting to social and academic culture. Based on personal and national research and decades of experience in secondary and university settings, the presenters will conduct an interactive presentation focusing on international student experiences in U.S. institutions. The presentation will include suggestions how Vietnamese students can make the most of their experiences in the U.S
Black History Month: Hip Hop: From Bronx to the World
Time: Thursday, February 23, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Speakers: Kenya James (U.S. Consulate Officer) and musicians Suboi, Viet Max, and New Fame (Felicia Cruz and Adrienne Mack-Davis)
Come celebrate Black History Month at the American Center while learning about Hip Hop Music! Hip Hop Music emerged as the voice of young people who felt disenfranchised and has now grown into an international art form. During “Hip Hop: From Bronx to the World”, we will discuss the origins of Hip Hop Music, its cultural impact on society and its unique ability to cross international boundaries. After a short dialogue about Hip Hop’s Origin, Consular Officer Kenya James will facilitate a panel discussion with Viet Max, Suboi and New Fame.
Succeed As An International Student in America
Time: Wednesday, February 22, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Speaker: Timothy Kok, Director, International Affairs, University of Central Oklahoma
Get involved on campus? Find an on-campus job, perhaps an internship? Living on or off campus? How to find the right classes? How can I fit in? Big or small?
Come and learn from a former international educator who has studied, lived and worked with other international students for more than 15 years in the United States.
Black History Month: Black History Month – So You Think You Can Invent!
Time: Tuesday, February 28, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Speaker: Lauren Gibson, U.S. Consulate Officer
Have you ever eaten potato chips, used a pen, worn 3D glasses or stopped at a traffic light? Well, guess what? All of those great inventions were created by Black inventors! As Black History Month comes to a close, join us for a fun, interactive discussion about our favorite inventions. Bring your friends and participate in the activities, and you could win a prize!
