Journal #5
Queen Liliʻuokalani
Queen Liliʻuokalnai was the last reigning monarch for the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her full name is Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha. The regency was passed down to her after the death of her brother, King Kalakua. In 1918, she took the throne and worked to restore power to the Hawaiian monarchy. Queen Liliʻuokalani, was a clear representation of persevering in hard times. I wish that I could draw from that and continue to work towards a brighter and better future while standing on the backs of my ancestors. And while continuing to carry that ancestry with me to the future. Her life wasn’t easy and I am definitely not in the same circumstances as her but I will continue to persevere in my own way. She did it through monarchy and I will do it through the art works that I produce.
Kumu Melelani Pang
Kumu Melelani Pang, is a Hawaiian language teacher at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama. I couldn’t tell you how old he is since every time he would tell us in class he would speak really quickly so you could not guess the year. He is not only an Hawaiian language teacher but also an advocate for the Hawaiian language. In my experience of having him as a Kumu, he is one of those Kumu’s that approach the language with new and open mindsets. He teaches the language through his favorite ways which was generally teaching his students Hawaiian values and life skills. Occasionally, his favorite way to teach was to honor the past by making food. He often told us his favorite way to learn was by cooking and sharing food. My Kumu, he would find ways to inspire us, students and still have us know ma hea, here, where we come from. I hope to find that too, to emulate the things I love through the things I want to share and teach through the values and beliefs. I don’t think I would do that as a Hawaiian language teacher but I would like to find that depth of knowledge, understanding and creativity.
