An Unforgettable Experience with Cathy Park Hong at Hathaway Brown

Hathaway Brown was pleased to host Cathy Park Hong, one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2021. Known for her profound impact as a poet, essayist, and professor at UC Berkeley, Cathy Hong captivated our students and faculty during a special event centered around her bestselling book Minor Feelings.

This powerful book, a cornerstone of HB’s AP Language curriculum this year, explores themes of race, identity, and cultural assimilation—ultimately delving into what it means to be an artist and creator within complex cultural contexts. Nine students took the lead in preparing a roundtable conversation, guiding the introduction and interview process on stage. 

Cathy’s visit offered students a unique chance to deepen their studies by engaging directly with the author, asking questions, sharing insights, and reflecting on their identities. This transformative experience sparked meaningful conversations about representation in literature, culture, and belonging, turning an academic opportunity into a personal connection.

Made possible by the generous gift of an HB alumna, whose foresight in including Hathaway Brown in her will brought the event to life, the experience left a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the entire HB community, highlighting the importance of culture and belonging