This lecture and discussion examines key moments in American history that illustrate the ways Asian Americans have been racialized in the U.S, how they have been subject to legal and extralegal exclusion and discrimination, as well as the ways communities have organized in resistance. Using key case studies spanning the late 19th century to the present moment, we will consider: What lessons from the past can we use to understand our present? What role can Asian Americans continue to play in the ongoing struggle against white supremacy and social inequalities?

This lecture is sponsored by the Center for Engineering Diversity & Outreach (CEDO), the APID/A Staff Association and Graduate Rackham International (GRIN).

This lecture is part one of a three part series on combating anti-Asian hate, harassment and racism throughout the 2021/2022 academic year.