Anti-Racism Resources - AAPI
Compiled by Darliene Howell
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this edition of NAAFA’s anti-racism resources, we focus on Asian American and Pacific Islanders: history of Asian Americans; contributions made; what each of us can do to break the cycle of racism and violence against our AAPI family, friends and neighbors.
History of Asian Americans
The First Asian American Settlement Was Established by Filipino Fishermen - History.com
The fishing village in marshlands of present-day Louisiana was settled by the so-called Manilamen as early as 1763.
Building the Transcontinental Railroad: How 20,000 Chinese Immigrants Made It Happen - History.com
At first railroad companies were reluctant to hire Chinese workers, but the immigrants soon proved to be vital.
Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) - National Archives
The Chinese Exclusion Act was approved on May 6, 1882. It was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States.
What Was Life Like in Japanese American Internment Camps? - Britannica.com
Overview of the implementation of Executive Order 9066 ordering that all people of Japanese descent be taken into custody, surround them with troops, prevent them from buying land, and return them at the close of the War.
Reflecting on the Japanese American internment 80 years after Executive Order 9066 - wbur.org
Here & Now short audio interview with the daughter of Fred Korematsu, the one man that chose to defy Executive Order 9066.
Contributions of Asian Americans
The Asian American Women Who Fought to Make Their Mark in WWII - History.com
They worked as pilots, translators, guerrilla fighters and more.
When 20,000 Asian Americans Demanded Garment Workers' Rights—And Won - History.com
The 1982 strike led by immigrant women earned better workplace conditions and benefits for New York City’s garment workers.
8 Groundbreaking Contributions by Asian Americans Through History - History.com
From disease cures to influential tech to workers' rights, Asian American innovators have made huge impacts on people's lives.
What can I do?
Asian Americans Advancing Justice is trackings incidents and crimes, such as harassment and violence, to help educate us all about racism and xenophobia directed toward Asian Americans. Read the stories.
If you see something, say something! Report a hate incident - stopaapihate.org
Anti-racism resources to support Asian American, Pacific Islander community - nbcnews.com
Experts share resources, guidance, tools and more.
Darliene Howell (she/her) - Administrative Director for NAAFA. Darliene has worked directly with NAAFA since her retirement in 2004; first as the recording secretary to the Board of Directors in 2007, then elected as the Chair of the Board and Administrative Director in 2015. She has been active in fat community 20+ years.