A Statement of Remembrance 2001

October 24, 2001 represents the 130th Anniversary of the infamous Chinese Massacre, which resulted in the murder of 19 Chinese men and boys in the first Los Angeles Chinatown. Some ten percent of the town's population of 5,000 participated in what might have been the City's first race riot, one that would regrettably be followed by others. Historically, this event was one of the worst occurrences of anti-Chinese violence in the United States during an era of virulent discrimination against the Chinese.
The incident was triggered by an internal dispute in the community between two Chinese men arguing over a Chinese girl, which led to the accidental slaying of a Caucasian man caught in the crossfire. The social conflagration that followed was fueled by the growing movement of anti-Chinese discrimination in California, which would climax in the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. At the base of the unrest was the uncertain and unstable economy in the West following the Civil War, leading to high unemployment, especially among veterans. This historical development led to a growing resentment of a growing group of industrious immigrants, many deliberately imported to build the transcontinental railroad, who undertook, at a minimal wage, jobs and tasks too menial, harsh, or difficult for settlers and citizens to care to take. Originally, the Chinese newcomers were welcomed. Then, this willing work force of differing cultures and religions was perceived by the body politic to be usurping jobs and resources intended for those deemed more worthy. The all-too-familiar attitude of growing resentment and discrimination set the stage for a day and a half eruption of rampant looting and burning, in a town already known for its lawlessness.

In defense of a great majority of good citizens, descendants of eyewitnesses are today bringing to light many stories about the protection of Chinese families by their forefathers-from neighborhood vendors to family servants. Others acted out of a sense of righteousness and of fair play.

This 1871 nadir of Chinese American history in Southern California also casts a light on the resilience and resourcefulness of immigrants as well as their earnest perseverance and optimism in quest of that better life that America can offer:

After the Massacre, few Chinese of Los Angeles left;

Chinese continued to operate their laundries in the City, with the industry peaking in the 1880's and yielding to the French, Italians and other Southern Europeans;

Chinese continued as farm hands and ranch hands, comprising over 50% of the work force at one time, helping to build the great Southern California citrus industry

Within five years, Chinese became the principal truck gardeners and vegetable vendors of Los Angeles, controlling over 90% of the industry for the next 25 years, later transitioning to Italian-, Japanese-, and Mexican-American growers and wholesalers;

Within 15 years, Chinese units were participating in the festive parades of Los Angeles
The growing integration of the Chinese into the region's economy was followed by a gradual acculturation, which fostered the development of settlement and family life: first in Old Chinatown, at today's El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and Union Station, and later in the Chinese American neighborhoods of Southern California. Much of this progress took place under heavy pressure of discrimination, during a period of political and social isolation. But this evolution, with its increasing interdependence among all communities, took place nonetheless, demonstrating the major role Chinese Americans have played in establishing the rich diversity and proud heritage of Southern California.

Today's descendants of these Chinese American pioneers find themselves in all types of professions and businesses, in every neighborhood, at all social strata, and in all economic levels. Chinese Americans are now scientists and athletes, CEOs and teachers, artists and policemen, actors and producers, to name a few varied careers. Many have served America in its wars and other external conflicts, a proudly fulfilled responsibility of citizenship long denied the Chinese immigrant and once so difficult to achieve. In many households, the semi-annual ritual of voting in all government elections for officials and on questions of public policy is still viewed as a sacred duty, a verification of the privilege of citizenship. In many ways, the hopes of these first pioneers in achieving the American dream have been fulfilled by their posterity.

Looking back at the achievements, against all odds, of those Chinese immigrants who endured 1871, we proclaim that American history tells us that immigrants have always been valuable in developing and building our Southern California community and our American civilization. We further declare that immigrants will always bring new talents, and boundless energy, and that they will succeed even when given less-than-an-even-chance because they believe in America and the possible access to its opportunities. We observe that they and their descendants do acculturate in time, and moreover, they serve to shape the unique diversity of America.

On this 130th Anniversary, we further proclaim that the 1871 lesson of the Chinese Massacre holds truths for us today: that immigrants have proven to be a most valuable and important segment of our society. And because their influx insures a continued healthy, prosperous America, the process of immigration should and must continue. The opportunities America offers should never be closed to anyone residing in this country seeking to better themselves and their families.

The occurrence of the riot of 1871 was indeed a major hate crime in American history. It manifested the worst in human behavior and racial intolerance during an era of strong anti-Chinese sentiments. On the other hand, those who moved to aid and protect Chinese people during the occurrence, and the subsequent steady but measurable progress of the community's leadership toward healing and harmony over the years that have since followed were among the most noble of decent human reactions.

One can hardly avoid noticing the positive lessons from 1871 that also help us to cope with the recent tragedies of September 11, 2001. The combined events of that day now rank as the worst hate crimes ever perpetrated on American soil. Application of the moral principles, fundamental American ideals, and ready compassion that marked the collective reaction to both incidents, 130 years apart, were once again an affirmation of our American character. We realize that tolerance of others, compassionate understanding of their ways, customs, and beliefs, and the continual goal of community harmony are essential for furthering the progress and growth of our communities. Commitment to the practice of these ideas is a profound demonstration of the truth, vitality, and success of our American way of life.

Munson Kwok, Ph.D.
Board Member
Friends of the Chinese American Museum