Solidarity Project 2020-2021
In Fall 2020 to Spring 2021, the Solidarity Project seeks to foster solidarity between Chinese Americans and other racial minority groups through planned and facilitated conversations. To work toward this vision, we brought first-generation (i.e. foreign-born) Chinese Americans together to examine their personal experiences of discrimination and to connect these experiences to other racial groups.
We recognize that the Chinese community has experienced various forms of racism throughout history. We also recognize that the Chinese community has been grappling with increasing anti-Asian racism in recent years and especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the dominant racial narratives shared in the Chinese community problematically reinforces harmful perspectives that dehumanize Black people. Additionally, these narratives, which are often circulated through social media, perpetuate misinformation, sow fears and distrust of others, and challenge efforts for solidarity.
This project seeks to create a supportive and accepting space for first-generation Chinese Americans to
develop a common language to talk about racism
unpack and heal from harms they have suffered because of racism
understand the role of racism and structural oppression in our national history
connect their experiences with racial-ethnic discrimination to the oppression of other racial-ethnic groups
We held a workshop in which a total of 35 parent participants each watched a pre-recorded webinar about the history of Black, Native, Latinx, and Chinese American history in the US. They then attended a one time discussion debriefing the webinar, sharing personal thoughts, and sharing action steps.
Check out our recorded history webinars in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English: