カリフォルニアの都市は、初期の中国人移民を不当に扱ったことを公式に謝罪しました, それを “最初の一歩” 人種の和解に向けて.
1800年代半ば, アンティオキア, カリフォルニア — like other cities in the state — witnessed a population spike as migrants, including those from China, moved into the area in search of gold. Chinese immigrants were then exploited for cheap labor, notably in the construction of railroads.
その間, racist anti-Chinese sentiments grew, culminating in the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act. 当時, Antioch became a “Sundown Town,” banning Chinese residents from walking city streets after sunset.
The history is detailed in the city’s resolution apologizing to the immigrants and their descendents. It unanimously passed the Antioch City Council on Tuesday.
Thorpe said Antioch is the first city in the United States to officially apologize for the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants. He said he hopes other cities follow Antioch’s lead.
“The fact that we can confront this demonstrates that it can be done,” 彼は言った.
Thorpe first announced the plan to formally apologize with a resolution during a news conference in April, referencing the rising attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander people.
In the last year, an increasing number of Asian American people have reported being violently harassed, with high profile attacks reported in cities like San Francisco and New York.
少なくともありました 2,410 anti-Asian hate incidents during the first three months of 2021, によると to a report by Stop AAPI Hate, a group that tracks violence and harassment against Asian people.
One of the most high profile attacks took place in March, when a gunman attacked several spas in the Atlanta area. Of the eight people killed, six were Asian women.
The history of exclusion contributes to the current rise in Asian hate, according to Antioch’s resolution.
“The City of Antioch must acknowledge that the legacy of early Chinese immigrants and Xenophobia are part of our collective consciousness that helps contribute to the current anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander hate,” the resolution states.
In addition to the resolution, the city also discussed the designation of a Chinese historic district, as well as museum exhibits and murals that would honor Asian achievements.
