By: Brett David Louie
Two weeks ago, Days of Dialogue was able to host one of the most impactful and formative dialogues that I have been a part of. We collaborated with Rev. Frank Wulf and the La Plaza United Methodist Church to host a dialogue centered around the Los Angeles Chinese Massacre of 1871. Held the day after the October 24 anniversary, we gathered in El Pueblo to remember lives lost, to name the truth that at least 18 Chinese Angelenos were killed in what historians recognize as one of the largest mass lynchings in United States history, and to ask what repair and relationship look like in our city today. With nearly 20 individuals present for the event, they were not only able to address the questions through intentional dialogue, but also carry the conversation into action!
We opened with a historical look at the events of that tragic night. From breaking down how this tragedy came to be through economic insecurity and racial tensions, not dissimilar to what is seen today, to descriptions of the lynchings taking place, and even a prayer from our hosts, the history section of the agenda certainly provided insights into the massacre. The intimate setting of being where the massacre first started helped to elevate the gravity of the situation, and allowed for participants to feel the weight of the address.
Afterward, we moved into small dialogue groups. Participants reflected on Los Angeles history and shared memory, intersectional bridge building, combating racism, and Asian empowerment. The conversation was honest and nuanced. While we had a diversity of ethnicity, background, fiscal status, and age, there was plenty of consensus around how important this space truly was. Younger individuals felt “safe to open up about [their] lack of knowledge” on the history of the event, and older individuals “…wished they had learned about this, so they could have taught it to their children while growing up.” AAPI attendees found intersectional empathy and comfort with the shared experiences of others, and the all too familiar discussion of socioeconomic status impacting politics returned. Deep, diverse conversation, for a deep, diverse group.
There was significant outrage directed at the fact the Chinese Massacre of 1871 is not taught in schools, and worry regarding the current political climate outside our doors. Familiar patterns of bigotry were all too easy to gesture to, and it was evident participants needed this space to express these feelings. One of the participants mentioned that he, “Could clearly see the signs of a mob, especially for such a massive group to target a small section of the LA populace. I’ve seen this same kind of technique used in the wake of the Civil Rights movement.” Having an expert, historical opinion present at the dialogue elevated the conversation, and certainly allowed for an easier time in seeing the implications and connections.
While emotions ran high due to the nature of the dialogue, our facilitators were able to focus the energy into constructive conversations. People told the truth about harm, and they also named hopes and next steps. “We need more of these facilitated community spaces, so that we can continue to share and pass down this knowledge to next generations, and prevent another massacre from happening again.” By the end, every table offered one insight and one action, so that we left not only with memory, but with momentum. We must ‘build unity across racial communities, and our existence is resistance.’
We are grateful for the generous hospitality of La Plaza United Methodist Church, for Rev. Wulf’s partnership, for our facilitators who kept the space steady and equitable, and for every attendee who showed up ready to listen, speak, and build. Thank you to community partners and neighbors who shared the invitation, brought friends, and made room at the table. From pain to partnership, from memory to movement, this is what it looks like when Los Angeles chooses each other. In the words of one of the attendees, “I hadn’t realized how much impact one person could have in preserving collective memory and community experience.” You can be that very person who not only helps to carry the conversation, but invites others to the table as well. We hope to collaborate with Rev. Wulf and the La Plaza United Methodist Church soon, and cannot wait to see you at another dialogue soon!