Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Celebration: A Feast of Culture, Dance, and Storytelling

October 23, 2024

By Brendan Baptiste (email) Communications Office

At Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC), cultural diversity is celebrated with enthusiasm and that was on display recently at the Asian Pacific Islander (API) celebration held in August. This vibrant event, organized by the facility’s API community, in collaboration with facility staff and volunteers, offers an opportunity for individuals to come together with their families and celebrate the rich heritage of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. This event is a dynamic blend of storytelling, traditional music, dance, and food, all of which can used to express cultural pride and build a community.

“It allows me to stay in the moment culturally and when our kids are here, they see us taking responsibility and continuing the traditions of our culture, that inspires them to move in that same light,” says James Grantham, incarcerated individual. “To me that’s beautiful.”

Storytelling is an important aspect of the API celebration at Stafford Creek. It provides a platform for incarcerated to share personal stories of their cultural background, often blending traditions with personal experiences. Storytelling is a way to preserve cultural traditions that can then be passed on to others who are looking to reconnect or connect for the first time to their culture. These stories resonate deeply and offer lessons of resilience, honor and the importance of family and community.

No celebration of API culture would be complete without dance and music. The performances highlight the diversity of the Asian and Pacific Islander cultures, with dances featured from Thailand, China, Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand and more. Each song and dance are performed with pride and precision, reflecting the performers connection to their heritage. No matter what culture is showcased, the crowd loudly cheers in support.

For those involved, practicing and performing these dances allows for a moment of cultural expression, a form of rehabilitation, and a way to build self-esteem. It also builds camaraderie and connection among incarcerated, who often work together for weeks in advance in preparation for the event.

Food is often the heart of many cultural celebrations and the API event at SCCC is no different. The celebration typically features a wide array of traditional dishes . While preparing food in a correctional facility can be challenging, the event organizers work creatively to replicate traditional flavors. During the meal, incarcerated individuals who are involved in the event make sure everyone has had a plate and a beverage.

The API cultural celebration at Stafford Creek is a vital part of the facilities’ efforts to promote cultural awareness and rehabilitation. By engaging in cultural expression, incarcerated individuals can reconnect with their heritage and build a community. It’s a beautiful way to educate the wider incarcerated population and staff about the richness of API cultures, promote understanding and break down stereotypes. In a place where rehabilitation is key, the API cultural celebrations isa meaningful and transformative experience for all who attend.

“I love seeing our families come together, even between incarcerated and staff, there is no division. Everyone is coming together to have a good time,” says Fonotaga, incarcerated individual. “It’s a blessing.”