FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Hu, judy@chsa.org or 415-391-1188 x107

Civil Rights Suite
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."

THE CHINESE OF CALIFORNIA: A STRUGGLE FOR COMMUNITY

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."

REMEMBERING 1882:
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 couldnÕt live in the same neighborhood."

TO ENJOY AND DEFEND OUR AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP

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.

ABOUT CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

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.