A Historically and Racially Literate Approach to Black and Asian Solidarity

• In Event: Building Racial Solidarity Across Black and Asian Communities in K–20 Education Beyond COVID-19

Abstract

As a nation, we are currently grappling with the crippling effects of a global pandemic. In early 2020, the COVID-19 virus hit the United States and many countries in Europe and Asia in a seemingly sudden and most certainly devastating manner. The deadly effects of COVID-19 impacted communities of color in particularly unequal ways (when compared to white communities in terms of economic impact and death tolls), but also in violence. Through the deleterious rhetoric of former President Donald Trump and his naming COVID-19 the “China Virus,” attacks on Asian Americans increased across the United States. For example, in California, hate crimes against members of Asian American Pacific Islander communities increased by 107%. What seems surprising to some is the deep history of Anti-Asian sentiment and crimes in the United States currently being uncovered during this crisis. What is also surprising for many Americans, and known to very few is the deep history of Black and Asian solidarity in a time of crisis. For example, In April 1955, in Bandung Indonesia, representatives from twenty-nine governments of Asian and African nations gathered in the spirit of Black and Asian economic development, and to join forces in decolonization efforts within their countries. Years prior to the “Bandung Conference”, Black and Asian women activists gathered to push for gender equity, fight against patriarchy, and solidify the need and significance of Black and Asian women joining forces for political self-determination, mutual respect and equality. There are several examples throughout history (beginning in the 1800s when Chinese Americans began to immigrate to the United States) of notable Black Americans rejecting the hateful rhetoric and actions of United States officials towards AAPI communities, and standing in solidarity and in support of them.

It is important that educators develop their racial literacy, learn this important history as a way to shift the existing narrative of Black-Asian strife. Racial Literacy is a skill that can be developed through love, humility, reflection, and historical literacy; it requires deep self work and the courage to interrupt racism once it is recognized. This presenter will discuss the crucial component of Historical Literacy within the Racial Literacy Development Model as an approach for educators to understand the context for today’s Black and Asian solidarity, and be prepared to teach the rich history of solidarity toward fostering the conditions needed to interrupt the current climate of hate against Asian Americans. The presenter will discuss their work involved in cross- institutional initiatives to foster Black and Asian solidarity.

Author

• Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Teachers College, Columbia University