STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance on the Anniversary of the Murder of Vincent Chin

WASHINGTON — Today, on the anniversary of the murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American who was beaten to death in a targeted attack by two white men, AAPI Victory Alliance released a statement to honor the legacy he left behind and reflect on the progress and setbacks for Asian Americans’ civil rights since.

AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:

“It has been 41 years since Vincent Chin was killed in a racially-motivated attack in Detroit. In the absence of justice, community was born. His death gave life to a united, nationwide movement of Asian Americans. In many ways it was the genesis of the Asian American civil rights movement and decades later our community is still coming into our own political power.  

“History has sadly repeated itself. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic acts of violence towards AAPIs skyrocketed, fueled by Trump’s divisive anti-Asian rhetoric. Forty years ago, it was anti-Japanese rhetoric because of their successful automobile sales. Today, we are once again living in a time when it is impossible to live our lives in public places without fear of discrimination and violence. 

“We continue to build upon the movement spawned by Vincent Chin’s death and fight for equality for Asian Americans and allied communities. It is not lost upon us that today is also the day we observe Juneteenth, and the final liberation of Africans from chattel slavery in these United States.

“Until we unweave the normalization of violence against Asian Americans, and all people of color, from the fabric of our society, this tragic and preventable cycle of hate will continue. Now more than ever, Asian American communities must stand together with all our neighbors to demand tangible change for future generations.”

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