TORONTO, May 10, 2013 – Acclaimed author Joy Kogawa will be the featured speaker at this year’s Asian Heritage Month Lecture and Education Roundtable on Monday, May 13 at York University.

Kogawa, a Canadian poet and novelist of Japanese descent, will give a talk based on the theme of “Youth, Identity and Asian Heritage,” followed by a Q&A, reception and book signing.

Other highlights of the event include:

2pm: Opening Address by Justin Poy, Honorary Patron, Asian Heritage Month - Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture Inc.

3:05pm: Plenary Address by Donna Quan, Director, Toronto District School Board

3:35pm: Roy Fernandes, Principal, St. Henry Catholic School, Toronto Catholic District School Board – "The experiences of a first generation visible minority Canadian in our Education system"

For a full schedule of speakers, click here.

What: Asian Heritage Month Lecture and Education Roundtable, featuring author Joy Kogawa

Where: Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, Accolade East Building, York University (#92 on map)

When: Monday, May 13, 2pm. Reception, book sale and book signing by Joy Kogawa to follow at 4:30pm

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

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Media Contacts:

Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 x22097 / rheron@yorku.ca