The Evolving Landscape of Asian America – 55th Anniversary of the Immigration & Nationality Act (Japan)

October 3, 2020

12:00–12:30 PM (JPN): Private Screening - PBS Documentary Clip ( limited spaces)

12:30 – 14:00 PM (JPN): Public Webcast - Panel Discussion

This program is jointly hosted by Asia Society Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Philippines Center.

For details - please jump to this LINK

In 1965, United States President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the landmark Immigration and Nationality Act.  This milestone legislation abolished the National Origins Formula, which had codified de facto discrimination against ethnic minorities, including Asians, with respect to American immigration policy.  The lasting effect of this turning point in American history has significantly altered demographics in America ever since.  Waves of immigration from the Asian continent in particular began to reach America’s shores in substantial numbers and this influx of pioneers had to overcome immense obstacles upon settling in the “land of the free.”  Today, Chinese Americans, Korean Americans, Japanese Americans, Filipino Americans, Indian Americans, Vietnamese Americans and other diaspora communities from this side of the Pacific have become the fastest growing population in the country and have certainly made their mark on contemporary American life.  Emerging from the margins to starring in the mainstream, certain heroes arising from these cultural communities have proudly and gracefully represented this collective hyphenated identity of what it means to be “Asian American” with remarkable success.

As we commemorate the 55th anniversary of this watershed moment in American history, Asia Society Hong Kong Center has received permission from Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) to screen for our members a private Zoom viewing of highlights from their recent five-part documentary series, “Asian Americans.”  Weaving together the powerful personal stories of recognizable and diverse Asian immigrants, this brilliant production casts a new lens on U.S. history and the ongoing role that Asian Americans have played in shaping the story of America.  The roughly 30 minute clip excellently frames the public webcast panel reflection that will follow, where our distinguished Asian American speakers will recount their own challenges growing up in their adopted homeland and share fresh perspectives on what it means to belong.  As Asian Americans get set to cast their ballot in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election exactly one month from the date of this webcast, we must not forget all that our forebears have already overcome, as we continue to assert our rightful place in the present and future of America.

*The private documentary clip screening will be available for ASHK members to watch on Zoom only, free of charge.  Register here.

*The public webcast panel discussion will be live-streamed on Facebook & YouTube.

This program is made possible in partnership with the Center for Asian American Media and WETA.