The Commemoration of the 1871 Los Angeles Chinese Massacre
Los Angeles — Join us October 17th through October 24th as the Chinese American Museum commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Chinese Massacre of 1871. The museum will host eight (8) days of virtual programs including live-streamed performances and insightful panel discussions.
Known as the Chinese Massacre of 1871, seventeen Chinese men including a 15-year-old boy were killed by a mob in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown on October 24, 1871. This historic act of racially motivated violence is mirrored today with growing anti-Chinese sentiment currently facing our community in Los Angeles and throughout the nation. The commemoration will remember the victims of this tragedy and reflect on societal and racial issues faced by AAPI and BIPOC communities today.
The annual ceremony will culminate an eight-day long series of observances and educational programs involving educators, historians, and artists to raise awareness about the historical events that have helped define the early Chinese American experience in Los Angeles. The series will also address racial issues and histories that cross BIPOC communities. Other scheduled events are:
Sunday, Oct. 17, 2-3:30 pm PDT
A Multi-Dimensional Performance
A livestreamed performance that chronicles the history of the Chinese Massacre of 1871 through music, movement, and spoken narrative presented in partnership with UCLA Asian American Center, UCLA Asia Pacific Center, and Scripps College. Narrated by Hao Huang.
Monday, Oct. 18, 5-6:30 pm PDT
From Past to Present: Remembering 1871
This virtual panel discussion introduces the history of the Chinese Massacre of 1871 and how it resonates today. Moderated by Dr. Gay Yuen.
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 5-6:30 pm PDT
How to Teach the History of the Chinese Massacre of 1871
A specially curated workshop for educators to introduce new curriculum created to teach the themes and impact of the Chinese Massacre of 1871. Facilitated by Stewart Kwoh and Prabhneek Heer of the Asian American Education Project.
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 5-6:30 pm PDT
Collective Memory: An Unpacking of Racially Motivated Tragedies Throughout US History
A virtual panel discussion addresses the shared histories of racially motivated acts of violence in the United States such as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the burning of Antioch, and the genocide of Native Americans. Moderated by Jason Chu.
Thursday, Oct. 21, 5-6:30 p.m. PDT
Buried History: Retracing the Chinese Massacre of 1871
A pre-recorded tour takes a walk-through history to retrace forgotten sites of the Chinese Massacre of 1871 through modern-day Downtown Los Angeles. Hosted by Mike Woo.
Friday, Oct. 22, 5-6:30 p.m. PDT
Shaping a Memorial: Civic Memory and the Effort to Honor the Victims of the 1871 Chinese Massacre
Hear the latest details about the City of Los Angeles’ plans to develop a memorial for the victims of the Chinese Massacre of 1871—and the links between that effort and the Mayor’s Office Civic Memory Working Group. Moderated by Christopher Hawthorne.
Saturday, Oct. 23, 2-3 p.m. PDT
Post-Production Discussion: A Theatrical Conversation into the 1871 Chinese Massacre
In partnership with Artists at Play, join a virtual panel discussion to explore how this history is retold on stage. Excerpts from the play The Chinese Massacre (Annotated) by Tom Jacobson and directed by Jeff Liu will be available to stream online for a limited time from Oct. 22-24.
Sun., Oct. 24th | 5pm-6:30pm PDT
The Commemoration
This commemoration week will culminate with a virtual ceremony in remembrance of the victims of the 1871 massacre. The program will include the reading of the victims’ names, the laying of the wreaths, and a bowing ceremony to honor their souls.
Please join us in commemorating the lives lost. For more information and to register by going to https://camla.org/
