Asian-Pacific Heritage Month: Filipino Batok

Rooted in ancestral practice and rich cultural symbolism, Kuya Joseph’s art draws from the ancient Filipino tradition of batok—a hand-tapped tattooing technique once nearly lost due to colonial suppression. Historically, these tattoos were more than decoration; they marked identity, valor, and life’s milestones. Today, artists like Kuya Joseph are at the forefront of a global movement to reclaim and revive these deeply meaningful forms of expression.

His "presentation" will be in the form of a dialog with Melissa Raman Molitor, a passionate advocate for Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander American voices and the founder of Evanston ASPA—a community-driven initiative that celebrates and uplifts AAPI stories through art, dialogue, and cultural exchange.  

Hosted by Linda Gerber.