HOUSTON, February 27, 2023 — Asia Society Texas welcomed filmmaker Crystal Kwok for a screening of her new documentary Blurring the Color Line followed by a panel discussion on race, gender, intersectionality, and social justice with Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Director of Education Dr. Michelle Tovar, moderated by Mei Qi, Asia Society Texas Development Manager.

Blurring the Color Line follows the experience of director Crystal Kwok's grandmother, who operated a grocery store in a segregated Black neighborhood of Augusta, Georgia, during the Jim Crow era. The film invites the audience to reflect on the spaces inhabited by the Chinese community at that time, and how this was connected to their sense of belonging and identity. The film also offers insights into the complex relationship between the Chinese and Black communities. The 77-minute screening led to a conversation on how different communities could support each other, and how individual stories can lead to significant social change. 

The making of Blurring the Color Line

The film uncovers a story close to Kwok's personal experience. During the panel discussion, she shared that during the filming process, she engaged in intimate and sometimes difficult conversations with the interviewees, many of whom were family. She highlighted the value of personal stories and anecdotes, sharing that oral history and storytelling are vital to elevating women’s voices.

Kwok and Dr. Tovar also reflected on the documentary's title, relating to the possibility of redefining and reinterpreting the status of current social relations through the lenses of history.

The role of education to advance social justice

Dr. Tovar noted the critical role of education in advancing social justice. She explained that there are many stories like this in America's history, which highlights the need for educational programs to acknowledge and address these stories. Dr. Tovar also underlined the importance of museums and other educational institutions to promote significant dialogues on these kinds of issues.

Final reflections

In their final reflections, the panelists commented on current events and episodes of violence against Black and Asian American communities. They encouraged the audience to reflect on how involvement with social causes can create impactful change, highlighting the value of intergenerational dialogue and the need to inform, educate, and inspire the younger generations.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.