MOVEMENTS AND MOMENTS

Asian American Activism

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Was Asian American Activism successful in improving the lives of Asian Americans?

Chapter objectives
  • Learn about the history of Asian American activism that has transformed the lives of everyday people, from the 1960s to today.
  • Understand the strength of solidarity and community organizing for marginalized communities to attain better living conditions.
  • Explore how everyday people can contribute to a social movement to see change in their communities.

Asian Americans have a rich history of engaging in activist movements, but these histories of resistance are largely overlooked. Despite this, Asian Americans continue to be at the forefront of confronting social issues such as education, affordable housing, labor organizing, and criminalization. From the San Francisco Bay Area to New York City to Providence, Rhode Island, Asian Americans have fought for better conditions in their communities and beyond. This chapter looks at the two most intensive periods of Asian American social organizing: the late 1960s and 1970s, and the present moment. By exploring the history, ideas, and practices of Asian American activism, this chapter illustrates how Asian Americans have mobilized to challenge social injustices in their communities.

Modules in this chapter


Overview of Asian American Activism

Education for Liberation: Asian Americans and Third World Studies

Housing as a Fundamental Human Right
Part I: The Price of Gentrification

Housing as a Fundamental Human Right
Part II: Save the International Hotel

Labor Organizing: The New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA)

Southeast Asian Youth Activism Creating Community Safety

Southeast Asian Youth Activism From Reform to Abolition

Overview of Asian American Activism

Education for Liberation: Asian Americans and Third World Studies

Housing as a Fundamental Human Right
Part I: The Price of Gentrification

Housing as a Fundamental Human Right
Part II: Save the International Hotel

Labor Organizing: The New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA)

Southeast Asian Youth Activism Creating Community Safety

Southeast Asian Youth Activism From Reform to Abolition

Chapter Sources


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