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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 2024)
Page 8 February 07, 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024 From the Ballroom to the Classroom Continued from Page 3 improvements in academic and campus life, and ensure that students’ needs and perspec- tives are given the attention they deserve at the highest lev- els of the college's leadership,” said Kung. Kung sees himself as the bridge between the student body and the college adminis- tration. He has focused on ac- cess to technology as one of his top priorities. “I often, unfor- tunately, see students who are unable to access technology due to reasons outside of their control,” he continued. “In our current society, having access to not only technology but also Wi-Fi is critical for student success in school and in their daily lives. Because of this gap in access to technology, my goal is to work toward making technology more accessible.” To help alleviate such bar- riers, the college recently im- plemented a solution, placing tech-savvy student-employees as guides, or Digital Naviga- tors, in all campus libraries. The digital inclusion effort of- fers ongoing assistance with af- fordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support. Beyond his advocacy and academic pursuits, Kung has immersed himself in the world of ballroom dancing for over a decade. Engaging in showcas- es, competing at nationals, and also teaching, Kung is devoted to dance. Similarly, he said, that trans- formation can happen when students engage with student government to enjoy collabo- rative opportunities and find resources that can be the alche- my for their own development. “It isn’t just a college, it's a community,” Kung said. “Being on campus, interacting with other students and teach- ers is an experience you won't get anywhere else. You grow alongside this fantastic com- munity, and you meet some incredible people along the way. Explore these programs, and make the most of your time here.” For more information on student leadership and resourc- es, visit https://www.pcc.edu/ student-life/. Most affordable tuition in the metro area Small class sizes ors Knowledgeable instruct r Clear paths to four-yea universities APPLY TODAY! Arts & ENTERTAINMENT Celebrating the Year of the Dragon Photos by John Woo, 202 The Portland Chinatown Museum celebrates the Year of the Dragon with a Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration through downtown Portland on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event is free and all are welcome. Local dragon and lion dance teams and the Trailblazers Rip City Crew will help kick off the eighth annual parade and cele- bration in front of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Asso- ciation on NW Third and Davis Street in Old Town Chinatown. Led by the Portland Chinatown History Foundation’s 150-foot dragon, the parade will pass through the China Gate, march down SW Third Avenue to SW Jefferson and Park Street, and end at the Oregon Historical So- ciety Park Plaza. Along the way, lions will “pluck the green” for good luck at select locations, and volunteers will pass out tra- ditional red envelopes to partic- ipants and onlookers. This year, the Lunar New Year festivities will include a special tribute to the museum’s friend and neigh- bor, Walter Cole, better known as the iconic Portland drag queen Darcelle. The 2024 Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Cele- bration is organized by the Port- land Chinatown Museum, and co-presented with the Oregon Historical Society. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor, with additional support from local businesses and organizations.
