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May 24, 2018
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Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders celebrated at observance By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer Fort Belvoir observed Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage May 16, at the Community Center. The audience was treated to performances by the Toa O Samoa Dance Group, and were invited to participate in cultural celebrations. Dottie Li, founder and CEO of Transpacific Communications, was guest speaker. She is an appointed commissioner on the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and is part of several other organizations. “We share a rich and diverse heritage,” she said about the many countries and cultures that make up Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage. Those countries include, but are not limited to, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, the Pacific islands of Melanesia, and Guam. Asian-Americans made up 6.3 percent of the federal workforce in 2016, compared to 1.1 percent in 1976, Li said. Asian-Americans make up 5.6 percent of the population, and two out of three are foreign-born. Although Asian-Americans are stereotyped as the model minority, she said a more accurate stereotype is as the
Photos by Paul Lara
Staff Sgt. Erik Tue, The U.S. Army Band, center, leads other men as the Toa O Samoa Dance Group performs a traditional Samoan dance at the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance, May 16. forgotten minority. While many positive attributes are associated with being called the model
From left, Izariah Bagceci, Tusiai Vartautolu and Iyanna Bagceci perform a traditional Hawaiian dance at Belvoir’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance at the Community Center.
minority, they also create barriers. Today, challenges Asian-Americans face have less to do with racism or laws but with communication barriers, Li said, a topic she has faced herself. Li arrived from Hefei, China, 30 years ago and lived in Mobile, Ala. Recognizing the obstacles between her and her goals, she did what she could to overcome hurdles, and, in turn, help others. Li decided she wanted to help people develop cross-cultural communication skills needed in a multicultural society, through acculturation. Acculturation is a process most people have gone through, like when a Service member transitions to civilian life, or when you move from a big city to a rural town, Li said. “Your role changes, so you go through this process called acculturation. Once acculturated,
Dottie Li, founder and CEO of TransPacific Communications, was the keynote speaker at Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations, May 16 at the Fort Belvoir Community Center. you will be part of the new team and not seen as a foreigner,” she said. One thing Li did for herself was reduce her accent. “It was the single, best thing I did for my career,” she said, adding if she hadn’t done it she wouldn’t have been able to work at the White House with President Bill Clinton. The goal is not to give up one’s cultural identity, but to make sure a person is able to communicate effectively, Li said. For example, not looking authority figures in the eye is done in some cultures, but in the West, that’s not acceptable. Her journey started when she was 9 years old and had a dream to work at Voice of America, as a broadcaster. She has felt privileged to help others break down barriers to succeed, she said. “You really can do just about anything and what a wonderful journey it has been,” Li said.
Save the dates! Memorial observance today
Pools opening!
Memorial Day is Monday
North Post, O Club
10 a.m., Long Parade Field Near 21st Street; Belvoir Road Retired Navy Capt. Eugene B. ‘Red’ McDaniel Guest speaker
and Woodlawn pools Open Saturday belvoir.armymwr.com villagesatbelvoir.com
Most offices closed, Exchange hours Page A14 For MWR facility hours, check belvoir.armymwr.com
Travel and Commuter Show 10 a.m.-1 p.m., June 6 Community Center Commuting options, vacation vendors, and giveaways. Free