Asian American Resources

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), founded 1929
Responding to anti-Asian movements in the early 20th century, Japanese Americans formed the JACL to protect Nikkei rights, mainly in western states. Although an estimation, Utah's JACL chapter has been active since 1929 and has pushed to repeal the Alien Land law in Utah in 1947. Initially backing WWII incarceration for better relations, the JACL later helped secure reparations and redress. Today, the JACL focuses on civil rights, immigration, education, and cultural awareness. They also back representation initiatives across the nation and formed the Japanese American Youth group.

Korematsu v. United States, 1944, 1976
In a pivotal 1944 Supreme Court case revisited in 1976, the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, allowing Japanese American incarceration during WWII, was questioned. Fred Korematsu's resistance led to his arrest and conviction, upheld by the Supreme Court, citing military necessity. Despite later criticism and evidence of suppressed information, the 1976 reopening of the case maintained the original decision. The Korematsu case remains controversial, underscoring the dangers of wartime hysteria and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties and minority rights, even in times of crisis.

Asian American Movement
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Asian American movement, inspired by African American, Chicano, and anti-Vietnam War movements, addressed stereotypes, discrimination, and marginalization. Led by youth, it fostered cultural awareness, unity, and community, giving rise to influential organizations such as the Asian American Political Alliance and Yellow Brotherhood. The movement successfully demanded improved representation, leading to increased visibility for Asian Americans in media, Hollywood, politics, and leadership roles.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark legislation, prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. While closely associated with the African American civil rights movement, it also had significant implications for Asian Americans facing discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations. Establishing the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Act addressed employment discrimination. Despite the progress, the struggle for Asian American civil rights persisted, leading to ongoing support through political narratives, community organizing, and legal action. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 remains a crucial milestone in the ongoing fight for social justice and equality, encompassing the rights of all Americans, including Asian Americans.

Civil Liberties Act, 1988
This act provided a formal apology and reparations from the US government to Japanese Americans who had been incarcerated during World War II. The law came as a response to the movement for redress and reparations for Japanese Americans that began in the 1970s.

In 1976, the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) issued a report that revealed WWII Japanese American incarceration stemmed from prejudice, not necessity. It birthed the National Council for Japanese American Redress. In 1983, the CWRIC re-evaluated, leading to the 1988 Civil Liberties Act, signed by President Reagan, acknowledging past injustices.

The law apologized for Japanese American wartime incarceration, granting $20,000 reparations to survivors. While it couldn't undo trauma, it acknowledged civil rights violations, paving the way for reparations discussions among other marginalized groups.

Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), founded 2000
This grassroots community organization, founded by working-class South Asian and Indo-Caribbean immigrants and youth in New York City, initially aimed to address poverty, racism, and discrimination. It began by focusing on improving conditions for South Asian taxi drivers but swiftly broadened its scope to include workers' rights, education, and immigration. DRUM played a crucial role post the September 11th attacks in 2001, pushing against increased discrimination and surveillance of South Asian, Arab, and Muslim communities in the United States.

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), founded 2000
SAALT is a national group promoting South Asian American participation in civic life and human rights. It conducts research, campaigns, and education, addressing issues like immigration, profiling, and hate violence. Notably, SAALT combats hate crimes, especially after 9/11, by raising awareness, aiding victims, and pushing for policy changes.

#StopAsianHate (Later #StopAAPIHate) Movement, founded 2021
This movement emerged in response to a surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaining national attention after high-profile attacks, including the Atlanta shootings in March 2021, the movement is led by a coalition of activists and allies. Their efforts include organizing rallies, protests, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about anti-Asian hate. Through various calls to action towards law enforcement and government officials they hope to address the historical yet ongoing discrimination faced by Asian Americans. The “#StopAsianHate” movement has significantly influenced public discourse and policy, proving to increase recognition of Asian American experiences and challenges, along with increased funding for anti-hate initiatives.