BY: YESENIA JONES
Comedian, rapper, talk show host and television personality Nora Lum, better known as Awkwafina, is coming to AU Friday, April 7. Most known for her role in the film Neighbors 2, the television show Girl Code, and her debut album Yellow Ranger, the New York native will rap and perform some of her famous comedy bits. Her album quickly gained popularity as it was able to fuse rap, comedy and Awkwafina's ability to address uncomfortable topics concerning the female body.
‘Thank yous' are to be paid to the Asian American Student Union (AASU) as they are responsible for bringing Awkwafina to campus. "Awkwafina does a lot about what it's like be an API (Asian Pacific Islander) woman in Hollywood," Kristen Jay, President of AASU, said. "She is the only female Asian rapper I know."
Jay also mentioned that one of the main goals of the organization is to create a safe place for Asian American students on campus. This is important to Jay because often times Asian American students have conflicting emotions about being at a predominately white institution.
"Because it's a predominately white institution, a lot of API students can feel like if I only hang out with Asian people I'm going to be pigeonholed as the Asian group. And I feel like there's that conflict of wanting to be accepted by the mostly white students on campus but also wanting to have that community," said Jay.
The AASU hopes that bringing Awkwafina to campus will showcase the representation of Asian American women in the entertainment industry as well as bring the Asian community on campus together for fellowship.
Tickets for the event on Friday are still available. And if you've never heard Awkwafina's music, check out the music video of her song Yellow Ranger below.
