Maintaining Vigor for Sustained Change in Asian American Issues

Thanksgiving is no longer about celebrating a mythic meal between white colonists and indigenous people, but is still a time for listening, reflection, giving thanks and giving back. It's an opportunity for us to reexamine the American history of racial inequalities and do what we can to make sure history moves towards justice.

"Because in that constitution, it said that everybody has equal rights and justice. You've got to make that come about. They are not going to give it to you." - Activist Larry Itliong⁠

Here we are over 100 years later and still fighting for the same things as Mabel Ping-Hua Lee — fighting against injustices, speaking up for the rights of all people and working to ensure equity and inclusion and real democratic values are upheld. Because of people like her, we have the strength to keep going.

A force to be reckoned with, Yuri Kochiyama never stopped making noise and fighting for the rights of all people. Take it from her, activism doesn't stop.

Renee Tajima-Peña (@rtajimapena), documentary filmmaker and professor, is an activist making noise for Asian American rights. She recently produced the five-part film series “Asian Americans” on PBS which delivers a bold new perspective on history that’s much needed now.⁠