In 2020, the American Public Health Association declared racism a public health crisis. We have experienced the twin crises of COVID-19 and Racism and while COVID is no longer a public health emergency, the effects of anti-Asian hate persist. In this session we will examine the longer history of anti-Asian racism in the United States and will consider how we can begin to learn and heal from the Stop Anti-Asian Hate movement and artistic responses. This workshop will be led by art historian Melanie King and historian Tracy Lai.
Photo credit: Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, "Faces of the Fight". A portrait series honoring the sacrifice of our unsung heroes in the battle with COVID-19. It recognizes the brave frontline workers who are saving lives and holding our society together in this challenging time including healthcare workers, delivery people, sanitation staff, teachers, postal workers and others supporting in some way, a visual and literary record of their struggles and triumphs.