Asian American Movement Timeline by Fay Yip

Hart-Celler Act of December 1st, 1965

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

Hart-Celler Act of 1965 removed restrictions on immigration based on nationality and quota systems. This resulted in a large wave of immigration which allowed generation growth of Asian Americans in the years following.

"Asian American" Originated in May of 1968)

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

The term “Asian American” was originated by Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee, two UC Berkeley students. Used as a symbol of self-empowerment and moving away from the label of “orientals”, this term brought together Asians and built a sense of community.

AAPA Established in May of 1968

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

Along with this, the Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA) was established. This organization was also anti-war and supported farm workers and free speech. They allied with other activist groups and created unity between “Third World” people who were also fighting for justice and equality.

Delano Grape Strike-September 8, 1965

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

Delano grape strike- Filipino and Latino farm workers joined together to form a five-year-long strike fighting against the exploitation of farm workers. Asian Americans' involvement, particularly Filipinos, highlights the intersectionality of this ethnic movement and other anti-imperialist struggles like these labor protests.

The Third World Liberation strikes in SF November 6, 1968

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

The TWLF strike at San Francisco State College and UC Berkeley was driven by students of color demanding equal educational opportunities. Violence broke out between protesters and the police however in the end, both universities agreed to establish ethnic studies which fueled young Asian American's activism later on.

Red Guard Party was founded in February of 1969

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

The Red Guard Party was founded in SF Chinatown in February of 1969 by Asian American Youth. It was largely inspired by the Red Guards of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and took on more militant tactics of protest rather than political and ideological aspects. Although this organization's dissolution was only a few years after its establishment, its lasting effect challenged stereotypes of Asian Americans' “docile” and “model citizenship” behavior.

Yellow peril supports Black Power 1969

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

“Yellow peril supports Black Power '' became popularized and brought together the Black Panther party with Asian American organizations like the Red Guard Party which later merged with the I Wor Kuen organization. They were guided by Black Panthers and demanded justice for Asians by criticizing police and providing food and necessities for their community.

International Hotel Eviction Protests 1968-1977

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

International Hotel (I-Hotel) Eviction Protests battled urban redeveloper’s effort to bulldoze the hotel, which was home to many Filipino and Chinese elders. This decade-long struggle not only spotlighted Asian Americans' persistent activism but also brought together many different communities and generations who were eager to project their voices and fight alongside Asians.

End of the Vietnam War in 1975

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

The end of the Vietnam War in 1975 was also the point where the Asain American movement also began to simmer down. Many activism groups dissolved because they had no one unifying motivation to fight for however the legacy of this movement continues to shape activism today for example the Stop Asian Hate coalition.

AAPI Week Established in June of 1977

fyip26 — 2024-05-24 03:11:27 UTC

In June of 1977, the House of Representatives proclaimed the first ten days of May as AAPI week. This was a huge milestone for Asain Americans ongoing struggle for recognition as it also marked the anniversary for the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May of 1869, which was built by a majority of Chinese laborers.