This newly released video by the 1990 Institute is a comprehensive but concise account of “the treacherous and brave path of the Asian Americans who came to the U.S. before us. At times, arriving freely and by choice. At times, arriving forcibly, coerced, or out of necessity. And for decades, excluded and barred from entry. Sometimes with a choice to stay, sometimes with no choice but to stay. Through the lens of the earliest surviving films and the eyes and pens of historical illustrators and photographers, see how, together as a community, they endured politics, imperialism, capitalistic development, and xenophobia. How their tenacity helped shape immigrant rights – not just for Asian Americans – but for many who are citizens of America today.”
The 1990 Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, develops and implements programs to promote U.S.- China cross-cultural understanding. It creates and supports educational programming and mobilizes collaborative leadership networks to improve mutual understanding, promote a constructive environment for U.S.-China relations, and champion the fair and equitable treatment of Asian Americans.
Waves of Immigrants – The Asian American Journey (about 16 minutes long) is a must view for all Americans, and especially for Americans of Asian descent.