Join the Chinese Community Action Coalition of Honolulu and Hanahau‘oli School for a film screening and candid discussion about
Immigration, Exclusion, and the American Dream: Teaching the Chinese Exclusion Act To Reflect on Current Times
Monday, September 30, 2019
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Pupus and refreshments will be provided
The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act had a profound impact upon the Chinese in the United States, and upon Hawai'i in 1900 as it became a new territory. The primary effect was a dramatic decrease in the Chinese population on both the US mainland and in Hawai'i.
Li-Shin Yu and Ric Burns’ documentary The Chinese Exclusion Act is the story of the welcome that the United States gave to Chinese immigrants. There is much to be learned from this excellent history of how the self-proclaimed “nation of immigrants” treated the would-be Chinese settlers.
At this public talk, we will screen the abridged version of the film and provide an opportunity for participants to engage with panelists about the power of teaching the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act in current times.
Hear from Dr. Gregory Mark and Dr, Bryan Man, members of the Chinese Community Action Coalition, who will comment on the film and share their knowledge about the history of Chinese Americans on the US mainland and here in Hawaii. They will share personal stories and findings from their scholarship and research, drawing links to contemporary immigration debates. Ms. Jingwoan Chang, Hanahau'oli School's JK-6 Mandarin teacher, will explain how we can use resources like this in connection with classroom themes or activities in other disciplines while also engaging a broader discussion about identity as we build Mandarin language proficiency skills. Dr. Amber Strong Makaiau, social studies educator and Director of the Hanahau'oli School Professional Development Center, will briefly share how the topics discussed can be incorporated into secondary level ethnic studies courses that are now being required for graduation across the US. This will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion with panelists and other audience members. Pupus and refreshments will be served.