| Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 2008 |
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In proclaiming May 2008 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, President George W. Bush acknowledges that "Asian Pacific Americans have made our country better with their talents and hard work. Their values and commitment to family and community have helped shape and strengthen America."... These citizens speak many languages, honor countless traditions, and practice different faiths, but they are bound by a shared commitment to freedom and liberty." Additionally, the President " call(s) upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific American and their many contributions to our Nation and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities." Local lodges of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.) are celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in a variety of observances, including showing historical exhibits, presenting lectures, performing in public festivals and demonstrating unique arts and crafts. Grand President Munson Kwok states that "Civil Rights Suite," prepared by the Chinese Historical Society in San Francisco, is a comprehensive exhibit which focuses on the long struggle of Chinese Americans to attain equality, civil rights, and educational opportunity to make contributions to the success of America. Dr. Kwok also notes that "We are proud that the role of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance in the fight for equality for Chinese Americans is included in Civil Rights Suite. The exhibition on the early history of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, 'To Enjoy and Defend American Citizenship,' was designed by collaboration between CHSA and C.A.C.A. and continues at CHSA's Museum and Learning Center, 965 Clay Street, San Francisco, at least to December 2008. It is well worth a visit by members and visitors to San Francisco." **** Grand President Munson Kwok presided at a special reception at the Chinese Historical Society's exhibit of "To Enjoy and Defend American Citizenship" attended by members and guests during the 49th biennial national convention of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.) in San Francisco in August, 2007.*** &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Hu, judy@chsa.org or 415-391-1188 x107 EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF THE CHINESE AMERICAN FIGHT FOR EQUALITY SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 1, 2008 The Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) is proud to present the Civil Rights Suite, a trio of exhibits comprised of The Chinese of California, Remembering 1882, and To Enjoy and Defend Our American Citizenship. This triumvirate of exhibits is a first voice institution representing the Chinese American fight for equality. In 1882, Congress passed the nation's first immigration law - the Chinese Exclusion Act. As legislation removed the constitutional guarantee of equal protection, discrimination and violent attacks against people of Chinese descent intensified, defining the fight for basic human rights and the very existence of Chinese Americans. The Civil Rights Suite is a summation of many issues stirring within the current social conscience. From 1882 to now, immigration, civil liberties, and democracy have been highly contended matters - and will prove to be more relevant in the future as the American population evolves. With the presentation of the Civil Rights Suite, CHSA is at the forefront of this social movement. "The Civil Rights Suite links the fight for equality to every immigrant group in America," Sue Lee, CHSA Executive Director, said. "Many years ago, Chinese immigrants were commonly referred to as 'Chinamen' because they were seen as nameless and faceless, without a past nor family. But we have had an extraordinarily rich history, a strong current presence, and are creating an even more promising future." This groundbreaking exhibit, through a unique collection of artifacts, images, documents, and personal stories, explores the complex history and unique challenges of Chinese Americans in their fight for civil rights. A first-ever collaboration of The Bancroft Library of the University of California at Berkeley, California Historical Society, and Chinese Historical Society of America, The Chinese of California challenges preconceptions about the Chinese immigrant experience by telling the story through the voices of Chinese Californians themselves as they join countless other immigrants in defining what it means to be a Californian and an American. "Partnering with The Bancroft Library and California Historical Society is a milestone," Lee said. "A collaboration between all our institutions recognizes this relevant topic. Beyond the discrimination, this exhibit is a humanizing story about people who are struggling to survive and succeed-concepts that every immigrant arriving in America strives for." FIGHTING FOR CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE SHADOW OF THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT Remembering 1882 explores the historical debate around the Exclusion Act from its origins through its full repeal in 1968, as well as the civil rights struggle of Chinese Americans and their allies, and the historic importance of habeas corpus in the Chinese American community. To recognize the passage of this law, the Chinese Historical Society of America's Remembering 1882 is an exhibit that: CELEBRATES the long-term positive impact of Chinese immigration on California's economic, social, and cultural status; HONORS the vigilance of those who fought tirelessly against Exclusion while upholding democracy for Chinese and other disenfranchised communities; and EXAMINES the complex issues and conflicting interests surrounding Exclusion. "Under a mantle of insecurity, the United States government categorized Chinese as second class citizens. Then, in a strange twist, after a hundred years of humiliation, the popular conception of Chinese became that we were good, well-behaved citizens," Phil Choy, CHSA Board Emeritus and civil rights activist, said. "But for a long time after exclusion, bigotry still existed. Even after defending the country on war battlegrounds, Chinese Americans were not allowed to buy or live in properties outside the four square blocks of Chinatown. We could die in the same foxhole, but we couldnŐt live in the same neighborhood." In To Enjoy and Defend Our American Citizenship, CHSA explores the experiences of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance (C.A.C.A.) in their groundbreaking work alongside groups such as the NAACP to challenge discriminatory laws while creating the support systems necessary for survival in a segregated United States. In recent years, C.A.C.A. has carried on its civil rights legacy with its opposition of anti-immigration policies, racial discrimination, and hate crimes. "We have yet to learn the lessons from history. Pandering to xenophobia in the 19th century is repeated in the 21st century. Only the targeted group is different," Choy said. Please join CHSA for a reception at 965 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA, on May 12, 2008 from 6-8 pm as the Civil Rights Suite: Exploring the History of the Chinese American Fight for Equality is presented to the public on behalf of all communities. The Chinese of California is on display at California Historical Society at 678 Mission St, San Francisco, while Remembering 1882 and To Enjoy and Defend Our American Citizenship are at CHSA at 965 Clay St, San Francisco. Founded in 1963, the Chinese Historical Society of America is the oldest and largest organization in the country dedicated to the documentation, study, and presentation of Chinese American history. CHSA operates a Museum and Learning Center located in the landmark Julia Morgan-designed Chinatown YWCA building. Through exhibitions, publications, and educational programming, CHSA promotes the contributions and legacy of Chinese America. For more information, visit www.chsa.org. |