[0:00] (gentle music) [0:02] - When I think of Bloomington [0:04] and our mission to cultivate an enduring [0:07] and remarkable community where people want to be, [0:10] these are the events that bring us together [0:12] and reflect that mission that we have at the city. [0:16] - [Interviewee] We are here today [0:17] at the Bloomington Japanese Gardens [0:19] celebrating the diverse heritage of Asian Americans, [0:22] Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders [0:25] - To celebrate AANHPI month, mainly our culture booths [0:28] are kind of the highlight of today. [0:30] Each of them have their own display of something [0:33] that's important within their culture. [0:34] - In September, we hosted an Asian cultural welcome meal. [0:38] We had different people host different table [0:41] with different culture, [0:42] and we invited the community to come and participate. [0:46] Dr. Ester and two students [0:48] from Normandale Community College came [0:50] and participated in the event. [0:52] - The students from our Asian Culture Club was there, [0:54] and one of the things that one of the students said to me [0:55] is like, "Dr. Ester could we ever do something like this [0:58] on our campus?" [0:59] I connected him with the friends of the Japanese Garden, [1:01] the foundation, and the City, [1:03] and quite frankly, through the energy, [1:04] the imagination, and the passion of our students [1:07] and the folks at the City, this event came to be. [1:09] - [Amanda] The City, we do little things [1:11] and we hope that there is a ripple effect, [1:13] and that's what this event is all about. [1:15] I think Normandale is a perfect backdrop. [1:18] There's such a diverse group of students and teachers, [1:22] and that's what we should be celebrating. [1:23] It's about just the different cultures and diversity. [1:26] - [Dr. Ester] As a community college, that is who we are. [1:28] We are a part of the community, the community is part of us. [1:30] Especially in this day and age when there's so many things [1:32] that divide so many people, an opportunity for people [1:35] to come together from different aspects is really amazing, [1:38] and to know that our students are leading it is even better. [1:41] - There's a long connection between Normandale [1:44] and this Japanese Garden. [1:45] This garden has been here almost as long as the college has, [1:48] bringing this very important aspect of Japanese culture [1:52] right into the heart of Minnesota, [1:54] offering that up to people so that they can appreciate [1:57] what a Japanese culture [1:59] and the Japanese Gardens have to offer. [2:01] The idea of peace, quiet, contemplation, inspiration, [2:05] not just for their students but for the entire community. [2:07] - [Amanda] For me, I think the reason why it's so important, [2:10] it's a day that we can look at our culture and be very proud [2:15] and be reflective. [2:16] And just being able to share it with our neighbors [2:19] and friends, it's a way for us to connect [2:22] with different people. [2:23] - [Chao] When I look back on the impact [2:25] that Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, [2:27] Native Hawaiians have had in our city, [2:30] I'm thrilled to see all of these faces here today, [2:33] sharing, caring for each other, [2:35] and showing that Bloomington truly is the place [2:38] that people want to be. [2:39] (drum music)