County Council recognizes 125th Anniversary of Chinese Expulsion from the Pacific Northwest

February 7, 2011

Summary

Proclamation declares February 7 as Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Day in King County to remember act of prejudice

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized the 125th anniversary of an important piece of Chinese history in the Pacific Northwest – acts of intolerance which resulted in the expulsion of Chinese immigrants from the city of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

“History provides us with powerful lessons,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who presented the proclamation. “It is vitally important that we remember these events and draw lessons from our region’s history in an effort to preserve the past and improve the future.”

In the fall and winter of 1885 and 1886, white mobs intimidated, threatened and finally forced the departure of thousands of Chinese immigrants living and working in the Puget Sound region. These events represent some of the most egregious and lawless acts of intolerance against ethnic minorities in Pacific Northwest history.

To mark this anniversary and help foster a wider awareness of this history, community leaders have organized the Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project (CERP). The Remembrance Project, led by Bettie Sing Luke and Ron Chew, is organizing a number of remembrance events in the community. Ron Chew and Bettie Sing Luke, as well as other members of CERP’s steering committee, were on hand to receive the proclamation.

“I would like these events to be a teachable moment that encourage discussions on civic responsibility,” said Bettie Sing Luke, project chair for the Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project. “We have a lot to learn about building bridges between cultures.”

“While we can’t undo the events of the past, we can acknowledge mistakes and educate people about the need for tolerance and equal treatment,” said Ron Chew, lead advisor on the CERP steering committee. “I commend the Council for passing this proclamation.”

The Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project is hosting a Chinese music program at Cleveland High School auditorium, 5511 15th Avenue, Thursday, February 10, from 6:00-8:30 pm.

On Saturday, February 12, there will be a rally and march that will start at the Seattle waterfront – 65 S. Washington Street – and go to the Wing Luke Museum at 719 S King Street to remember the expulsion and highlight contributions of Chinese residents in the Pacific Northwest.

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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, 125 years ago on this day, February 7, 1886, several hundred Chinese immigrants living and working in the Seattle area were forcibly expelled by a mob of anti-Chinese rioters; and

WHEREAS, instances of anti-Chinese violence also occurred in other areas of the Pacific Northwest, resulting in the forcible expulsion of thousands of Chinese immigrants from the Puget Sound region; and

WHEREAS, these lawless acts are some of the most egregious instances of intolerance against ethnic minorities in Pacific Northwest history; and

WHEREAS, the 2011 Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project (CERP) is working to foster a wider awareness of this history by bringing people together to discuss Chinese American history, the anti-Chinese movement, and its social, economic and political legacy; and

WHEREAS, the CERP’s efforts are integral to helping communities understand better the important role played by Chinese immigrants, and immigrants in general, in our region; and

WHEREAS, through that understanding, our communities will be stronger, more informed, and less susceptible to the violence that takes root when communities allow ignorance, fear, and prejudice to go unchallenged;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, proclaim February 7, 2011, as

CHINESE EXPULSION REMEMBRANCE DAY

in King County and thank the CERP steering committee, led by Bettie Sing Luke, for its efforts in bringing these issues to our communities’ attention and helping to connect these historical lessons to our current politics, educational issues, and public regard toward immigration and patriotism.

DATED this seventh day of February, 2011.




Members of the Metropolitan King County Council are joined by representatives of the Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Project. The Council declared Feb. 7, 2011, Chinese Expulsion Remembrance Day in King County on the 125th anniversary of the forced expulsion of Chinese immigrants from the city of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.