Chinese American Museum Hosts Virtual Panel Tonight: Reckoning with 1871, 155 Years After the Los Angeles Chinese Massacre
The Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, will host a virtual panel discussion, “Reckoning with 1871: Moving Toward an Equitable Future,” tonight, Wednesday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m. PDT. The discussion will reflect on the legacy of the Los Angeles Chinese Massacre of 1871 and explore its connections to contemporary issues of racism and xenophobia, and consider paths toward healing, understanding and a more equitable future.
The panel will be moderated by Frank H. Wu, former president of Queens College of the City University of New York. Speakers include Dr. Gay Yuen, board chair of the Friends of the Chinese American Museum; Serena Oberstein, a Los Angeles County Human Relations Commissioner; and jason chu, a local creator and public advocate. Pre-registration is required for all virtual attendees, and the Zoom link will be sent to registrants the day before the event.
On October 24, 1871, a racially motivated mob of approximately 500 people descended on a predominantly Chinese neighborhood in Los Angeles, attacking residents and looting homes and businesses. The violence claimed 18 lives, including a young boy. Eight perpetrators were convicted, but the convictions were overturned the following year. According to the museum, the events unfolded on the very doorsteps of what is now the Chinese American Museum, and since 2010 the museum has commemorated the date each year.
The museum will also hold a commemoration of the 155th anniversary of the massacre on Saturday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. PDT, in person and online, including a candlelight vigil and a traditional Chinese bowing ceremony led by Dr. Gay Yuen, plus keynote remarks; pre-registration is required. The Chinese American Museum is housed in the Garnier Building at 425 N. Los Angeles Street, within the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and experiences of Chinese Americans.
(GSM, based on reporting from the Chinese American Museum)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：洛杉矶华美博物馆所在的 Garnier Building 外观。作者 Los Angeles，CC BY-SA 3.0，来源 Wikimedia Commons。Photo: The Garnier Building, home of the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles, by Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
