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Day 150: Martin Luther King Jr., and Vietnam War Protest, Chicago, Illinois
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Day 150: Martin Luther King Jr., and Vietnam War Protest, Chicago, Illinois

📌APIA Every Day (150) - Martin Luther King Jr.'s involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement marked a significant shift in his activism, reflecting broader concerns about social justice and the war's impact on civil rights. Initially cautious in his criticism to maintain his relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson, King began publicly condemning the war by late 1965, advocating for peaceful solutions and highlighting its moral implications. He led his first Vietnam War protest in Chicago, Illinois on March 25, 1967, alongside 5000 anti-war advocates and leaders such as Dr. Benjamin Spock, the co-chairman of the National Committee for Sane Nuclear Policy. Following the protest, his pivotal speech, "Beyond Vietnam," delivered on April 4th, underscored his belief that the war diverted resources from addressing domestic poverty and racial inequality, stating, "The bombs in Vietnam explode at home—they destroy the dream and possibility for a decent America."

Amidst King's anti-war activism, African Americans faced heightened challenges in the military, experiencing systemic racism despite official desegregation. Policies like Project 100,000 disproportionately drafted Black soldiers, who encountered racism on military bases, including Confederate symbols and cultural restrictions. Racial tensions boiled over into conflicts such as race riots on ships like the USS Kitty Hawk and USS Constellation. Despite some reforms introduced during the war, many Black troops continued to face discrimination.

King's stance against the Vietnam War aligned with broader African American opposition, echoing sentiments from leaders like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali. This solidarity was rooted in a rejection of racial injustices inherent in the war effort, with protesters arguing that Black Americans should not fight against Vietnamese people striving for their own freedom but rather against the racism perpetuated by the U.S. military and society. This period exemplified a convergence of civil rights and anti-war movements, reflecting a shared struggle against systemic racism and injustice both at home and abroad.

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Day 149: Martin Wong, Manhattan, New York
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Day 149: Martin Wong, Manhattan, New York

📌APIA Every Day (149) - Martin Wong was a Chinese American artist known for his distinctive representational imagery, which encompassed urban environments, Chinatown’s history and stereotypes, and homoerotic content. After moving to the Lower East Side of New York City in 1978, Wong settled at 141 Ridge Street in 1982, where he lived and worked. His art drew heavily from his surroundings in San Francisco’s Chinatown, where he grew up, and Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Chinatown. Wong's paintings frequently addressed the displacement of residents due to gentrification, with recurring themes of brickwork and American Sign Language.

Wong was a prominent figure in the 1980s and early 1990s downtown arts scene, forming friendships with artists such as David Wojnarowicz and Keith Haring. His significant collaboration with Miguel Piñero, a writer and co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, influenced his connection to the Puerto Rican community in the Lower East Side. Wong and Piñero collaborated on several artistic projects and briefly lived together. Wong’s notable painting "Attorney Street (Handball Court with Autobiographical Poem by Piñero)" reflects this period and was later acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

In addition to his paintings, Wong was an early collector of graffiti art, amassing a substantial collection of graffiti works and publications throughout the 1980s. In 1989, he co-founded the Museum of American Graffiti in the East Village, though it was short-lived. Diagnosed with AIDS, Wong returned to San Francisco in 1994 to be with his parents and subsequently donated his graffiti collection to the Museum of the City of New York. Wong passed away in 1999 at the age of 53. His work is held in major New York institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the New-York Historical Society. His legacy has been honored with retrospectives at the New Museum in 1998 and the Bronx Museum in 2015.

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Day 148: Francisco Q. Sanchez Elementary School, Humåtak, Guam
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Day 148: Francisco Q. Sanchez Elementary School, Humåtak, Guam

📌APIA Every Day (148) - The Francisco Q. Sanchez Elementary School, located in Humåtak, Guam, served as the only educational institution in the village. Built in 1953 by internationally known architect Richard Neutra, the school was named after its first principal, Francisco Q. Sanchez, an early pioneer of historic and cultural preservation from Humåtak. Unfortunately, the school closed in 2011 due to financial constraints, marking a significant loss for the community.

Neutra, who studied under prominent Modernists in Vienna and worked with architects like Frank Lloyd Wright in the United States, incorporated modern materials and techniques into the school's design. The structure features two one-story wings with views of Humåtak Bay and the island's flora and fauna, reflecting Neutra's philosophy of "biorealism," which emphasizes harmonizing human structures with nature. The school was part of an urban Master Plan under Governor Carleton Skinner, although the plan was later abolished, making F.Q. Sanchez Elementary the only intact building from that initiative.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and later nominated by the Guam Preservation Trust as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2022. This designation, supported by the Guam Preservation Trust, Humåtak Mayor Johnny Quinata, Governor of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero, and other officials, brought national attention and preservation efforts to the site. Consequently, Public Law 36-82, signed in March 2022, allocated $3.5 million for the rehabilitation of the school. This past March, Mes Chamoru, the month to celebrate Chamoru history and culture, kicked off the building’s reconstruction. Several future uses for the site are being considered, including a charter school, a senior citizen center, a museum and café, or housing the Humåtak Mayor’s office. Ultimately, the local community will have input on the school’s future.

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Day 147: Republic Cafe, Salinas, California
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Day 147: Republic Cafe, Salinas, California

📌APIA Every Day (147) - The Republic Cafe, established in 1942 by Wallace (Wally) Ahyte and Bow Chin, served as a significant gathering place in Salinas, California's Chinatown. The restaurant, which could accommodate up to 150 people, was central to the community, hosting events like Lunar New Year celebrations, weddings, and banquets. It became a key cultural hub for various ethnic groups, including Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Mexican, and African American residents.

Salinas's Chinatown began to form in the 1860s with the arrival of Chinese immigrants. By the early 20th century, Japanese laborers joined the community, diversifying the demographic. The Chinese merchant class grew in the 1920s, establishing businesses and cultural spaces to serve the broader community. The Ahyte family, particularly involved in this development, contributed significantly by opening and managing various enterprises, including the Republic Cafe.

From the late 1950s, economic decline affected Salinas's Chinatown, accelerated by the Federal Urban Renewal Program, which led to the demolition of many buildings deemed unsafe. The Republic Cafe continued to operate until 1988, one of the last businesses to close in the district. Although it has been vacant since its closure and suffered a fire in 2022, there are plans to convert it into a cultural center and museum to honor the history of Salinas's Chinatown. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

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Day 146: Bhutanese Community, Fargo, North Dakota
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Day 146: Bhutanese Community, Fargo, North Dakota

📌APIA Every Day (146) -The Bhutanese community's presence in Fargo, North Dakota, began over a decade ago as part of a larger refugee resettlement program. Bhutanese refugees, of Nepali descent, were expelled from Bhutan after being expelled from their homeland due to ethnic and political tensions in the early 1990s. They lived in camps in Nepal without citizenship or integration opportunities; these issues led the the UN began resettling them in the U.S. and other countries in 2007. By 2013, over 66,000 had moved to the U.S., forming communities in states like Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, California, and North Dakota, where about 70% live in Fargo.

Upon arrival in Fargo, the Bhutanese community quickly began to establish roots. They set up homes and started businesses that catered to both their cultural needs and the wider community. Community organizations have played a crucial role in the integration and support of the Bhutanese in Fargo. These organizations help with job training, language classes, and cultural events, fostering a sense of community and belonging. United Chinese Americans Fargo-Moorhead, although primarily serving Chinese Americans, exemplifies the type of support network that benefits all Asian communities in the area. These groups have been instrumental in helping the Bhutanese navigate their new environment and maintain their cultural heritage.

Despite facing occasional racism and microaggressions, the Bhutanese community in Fargo has generally found the city to be a welcoming place. Instances of violent hate crimes are relatively rare compared to other parts of the country. Many Bhutanese have taken advantage of Fargo's affordable housing and job opportunities, particularly in sectors like tech, medical, and manufacturing. This combination of economic opportunity and community support has allowed the Bhutanese in Fargo to not only survive but thrive, contributing significantly to the local economy and cultural landscape.

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Day 145: Wat Thai, Silver Spring, Maryland
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Day 145: Wat Thai, Silver Spring, Maryland

📌APIA Every Day (145) - Wat Thai, a Buddhist temple located in Silver Springs, Maryland, was founded in 1974 by the Thai Buddhist community known as "The Buddhist Association in Washington DC” and is the second Thai temple established in the U.S., following the temple established in Los Angeles. Initially established in a small house in Washington DC, the community wrote to Wat Mahathat in Bangkok, requesting monks to serve the newly formed temple. The monks arrived on July 4, 1974, a date that coincided with both American Independence Day and Asalaha Bucha Day, an important Thai Buddhist festival. This beginning symbolized the foundation of a new Thai Buddhist community in the United States. Over time, Wat Thai has relocated to its current, more spacious location in Silver Spring, reflecting its growth and the increasing number of congregants.

Under the leadership of its second and current abbot, Phra Maha Surasak, Wat Thai has expanded significantly. The Thai initially had two monks; now, the temple supports ten fully ordained monks and serves over 2,200 families and 37,000 individuals in the greater Washington DC area. The temple offers various services and activities rooted in Thai Theravada Buddhist traditions, including regular meditation sessions, Dhamma discussions, and bimonthly workshops in both Thai and English. Phra Maha Surasak, also known as Luang Ta Chi, is a prolific writer who educates others through short stories about the Dhamma, making Buddhist teachings accessible to a wider audience.

Wat Thai plays a crucial role in promoting Thai culture and Buddhist practices within both the Thai immigrant community and the broader public. The temple hosts significant cultural events such as the Kathina Ceremony and Songkran (Thai New Year), which attract not only Thai Buddhists but also people from diverse backgrounds interested in Thai traditions. Additionally, Wat Thai offers Thai language courses and traditional music and dance classes, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Thai culture.

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Day 144: Community United Methodist Church, Queens, New York
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Day 144: Community United Methodist Church, Queens, New York

📌APIA Every Day (144) -The Community United Methodist Church in Jackson Heights, Queens, established in the early 20th century, has become a significant community hub, especially under the leadership of Reverend Austin Armitstead (1974-1995), who defended gay congregants against anti-gay protestors. The church offers multi-language ministries and meeting spaces for diverse community groups, reflecting the neighborhood's ethnic diversity and LGBT presence. In 1990, the church hosted a groundbreaking candidates' night on LGBT issues and HIV/AIDS, which led to the formation of Queens Gays and Lesbians United (Q-GLU) in 1991 by Ed Sedarbaum and Susan Caust. Q-GLU, formed in response to local events like the gay-bias murder of Julio Rivera, advocated for LGBT issues specific to Queens, organized regular meetings at the church, and collaborated with the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project to improve police relations with the LGBT community.

The church also served as a venue for significant events such as the Interfaith AIDS Memorial Service on June 5, 1999. This event, co-sponsored by various organizations including the Asian/Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV & AIDS (APICHA), featured clergy from multiple faiths and displayed panels from the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. APICHA was founded in 1989 by a group of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans concerned about HIV/AIDS rates within their communities and is dedicated to combating discrimination, preventing HIV transmission, and providing care for those living with HIV/AIDS. APICHA offers a range of services including primary and specialty HIV care, bilingual case management, and HIV prevention education. Notably, APICHA convinced the CDC to separately list "Asians and Pacific Islanders" from "Alaskan Natives and American Indians."

The Community United Methodist Church has played a pivotal role in fostering community solidarity and advocating for LGBT rights in Jackson Heights, involving various ethnic and minority groups, including Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, through collaborations like those with APICHA.

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Day 143: Lavender Town, Selleck, Washington
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Day 143: Lavender Town, Selleck, Washington

📌APIA Every Day (143) - Lavender Town, located within the Selleck Historic District and west of the Northern Pacific tracks, was established to accommodate Japanese American mill workers and their families with segregated housing. The town was named after John Lavender, who operated several businesses in a location between Selleck and Kangley, which eventually became the housing area for Japanese mill workers. During its peak in the 1920s, Selleck flourished as a hub of timber production. The introduction of innovative logging methods, such as sky-line logging, increased efficiency and output for the Pacific States Lumber Company.

Following the 1923 earthquake that devastated Tokyo, the Pacific States Lumber Company, which oversaw Selleck and Lavender Town, received its largest order to restore the city. The order was so large that Japanese workers were brought to Selleck to help with production. As a result, Japanese American families who were not living in Lavender Town built makeshift shanties beyond the mill and railroad tracks.

The closure of the mill in 1939 marked the beginning of a decline in Selleck's population and economic activity. World War II brought about further changes as Japanese residents were forcibly moved into American concentration camps. Few of the mill complex structures remain in the area as the buildings, including the workers' housing, have been demolished or removed. The Selleck Historic District, which mentions Lavender Town in its nomination form, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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Day 142: Summit Camp, Tahoe National Forest, California
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Day 142: Summit Camp, Tahoe National Forest, California

📌APIA Every Day (142) - Summit Camp, located near the east entrance to Summit Tunnel #6 and operational from 1865 to 1869 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, was the site for Chinese laborers working on the First Transcontinental Railroad. These workers made up about 90 percent of the Central Pacific Railroad workforce and faced severe working conditions, including dangerous terrain and extreme weather, while being paid less than their white counterparts. Because Chinese laborers were not treated equally, they went on strike in June 1867 to demand better pay and working conditions. Although the strike ended without immediate gains, they did receive a pay raise months later.

Artifacts found at the camp, such as coins, porcelain rice bowls, and opium pipe bowls, illustrate the workers' cultural heritage and daily challenges. The site also included substantial building structures designed to endure heavy snowfall which no longer exist, offering insights into the laborers' living conditions. Today, the site faces threats from vandalism, construction, and tourism, which damage its cultural and natural resources.

Chinese labor was instrumental in connecting the East and West Coasts of the U.S.; however, it came at the cost of many laborers enduring harsh conditions and minimal compensation. It is important to remember the Chinese experience during the transcontinental railroad’s construction, as well as the broader impact on the violent displacement and colonization of thousands of Indigenous tribes who previously inhabited the West Coast. Because of the diverse histories affected by the railroad construction, Summit Camp was proposed as a National Historic Landmark earlier this year.

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Day 141: Philadelphia Chinatown, Pennsylvania
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Day 141: Philadelphia Chinatown, Pennsylvania

📌APIA Every Day (141) - Philadelphia's Chinatown traces its origins to 1871 when Cantonese immigrants established businesses along Race Street, seeking refuge from anti-Chinese sentiment. Over the years, it evolved into a cultural and economic center despite facing challenges, such as mid-20th century urban renewal projects, which threatened its existence. The formation of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC) in 1968 marked a crucial moment in the neighborhood's history, as it began advocating for Chinatown's interests in the face of development pressures.

In the late 1990s, Chinatown faced another significant threat when plans to build a new baseball stadium sparked concerns about its impact on the community. Led by the PCDC, residents and community leaders mobilized to oppose the stadium's construction, fearing displacement and cultural loss. Ultimately, their efforts led to the relocation of the stadium, highlighting the community's ability to organize and protect its interests.

In the 21st century, Chinatown saw further developments with the implementation of community projects like the Eastern Tower Community Center, later renamed "Crane Chinatown." These initiatives, along with ongoing advocacy by the PCDC, contributed to Chinatown's status as a cultural and economic hub within Philadelphia. Currently, Philadelphia’s Chinatown is facing issues with the Philadelphia 76ers' proposed arena being built a block from the community’s gateway arch, which could displace local residents. Despite ongoing challenges such as gentrification, Philadelphia's Chinatown remains an integral part of the city, representing Chinese American history and heritage.

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Day 140: Tseng Kwong Chi Residence & Studio, Manhattan, New York
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Day 140: Tseng Kwong Chi Residence & Studio, Manhattan, New York

📌APIA Every Day (140) - Tseng Kwong Chi, born in Hong Kong in 1950, moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family in 1966. After coming out as gay, he experienced a temporary rift with his father, prompting him to leave home and open a fashion boutique. He later attended art school in Paris, where he developed a passion for photography. In 1978, Tseng moved to New York City with his sister, Muna Tseng, who was pursuing a career in professional dance. Living in the East Village, Tseng became involved in the downtown arts scene and met artist Keith Haring, becoming Haring's official photographer and documenting his work extensively.

In 1980, Tseng and Muna moved to a loft at 162 West 21st Street in Chelsea, where he lived until 1989. The loft, which Tseng shared with curator Saul Ostrow and later his partner Kristoffer Haynes, served as both his residence and photography studio. This space became a gathering spot for various artists and friends, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Bill T. Jones. Tseng's studio was known for impromptu photo sessions, capturing the vibrant and eclectic spirit of the 1980s New York arts scene.

Tseng is best known for his "East Meets West" series, which features over 100 self-portraits taken over a decade starting in 1979. In these photographs, he wore a Mao suit and posed in front of iconic landmarks, exploring themes of cultural identity and Western perceptions of the East. His notable works include "New York, New York" (1979) and "Bill T. Jones Body Painting with Keith Haring" (1983). Tseng's photographs are part of several prestigious collections, including the Guggenheim and the New York Public Library. His work was also known in China through art magazines, influencing contemporary Chinese artists before the country opened to international trade.

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Day 139: Dinay Village, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia
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Day 139: Dinay Village, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

📌APIA Every Day (139) - Dinay Village in Yap, Federated States of Micronesian, is nestled deep within the island's interior, near the mountains, and is believed to be one of the earliest settled sites dating back to the first millennium B.C. Oral histories reveal that Dinay was where pottery and fire were introduced to the Yapese people by spirits, marking a significant cultural shift. Despite its abandonment as populations grew and settlements expanded, Dinay remains crucial for understanding early Yapese civilization.

Distinct features of Dinay include its location, absence of stone money, and unique architectural elements such as rounded presentation platforms. The village layout comprises multiple daf complexes, sitting platforms, and a sophisticated network of paved drainages and stream crossings. Excavations have revealed laminated ware pottery on the surface, indicating a "late" tradition after A.D. 500. However, further excavation is needed to uncover a wider variety of pottery forms and styles.

Future research aims to obtain more dates for Dinay to better understand its chronology, settlement patterns, and cultural evolution. Its significance extends beyond Yap, offering insights into the broader context of Pacific prehistory and interactions between ancient island cultures. Dinay Village was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, highlighting its importance in the region's heritage.

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Day 138: Little Seoul, Newport News, Virginia
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Day 138: Little Seoul, Newport News, Virginia

📌APIA Every Day (138) - Situated on Warwick Boulevard in Newport News, Hampton Roads, is a concentration of Korean-owned businesses and services, often referred to as "Little Seoul." While not as well-known as other "Little Seouls" in the nation, this mile-long strip has become a vital hub for the Korean community in the region, offering a variety of amenities and cultural touchstones that cater specifically to Korean residents and visitors.

The Korean presence in Hampton Roads dates back to the mid-20th century, primarily driven by the aftermath of the Korean War and the subsequent U.S. military presence in Korea. Many Korean women married American servicemen stationed in Korea and relocated to the United States, often settling near military bases such as Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis.

The area now features a wide array of businesses, including beauty salons, dental clinics, acupuncture services, restaurants, senior citizen centers, tutorial academies, and churches. In addition to commercial enterprises, the Korean community in Hampton Roads is supported by various social and cultural organizations. Korean-language newspapers, such as The Korea Dureh Journal and The Korean Post, keep the community informed about local and international news relevant to Koreans. Organizations like the Peninsula Korean American Association and the Tidewater Korean American Association further foster community engagement and support.

While Warwick Boulevard’s "Little Seoul" might not have the same scale or visibility as larger ethnic neighborhoods in major cities, it serves a crucial role for the Korean community in Hampton Roads.

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Day 137: The Far East Center, Denver, Colorado
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Day 137: The Far East Center, Denver, Colorado

📌APIA Every Day (137) - The Far East Center situated in Denver's Westwood neighborhood, colloquially known as "Little Saigon," emerged after the influx of Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War. Founded by the Luong family, who had faced considerable challenges after fleeing Vietnam, the center serves as a cultural hub with various businesses, including restaurants, a supermarket, and a gift store. Despite initial hardships, including language barriers and discrimination, the Luongs managed to establish a successful enterprise that not only caters to the community's needs but also preserves Vietnamese heritage in the area.

The center recently gained historic recognition when it was added to Colorado's State Register of Historic Properties earlier in February. This acknowledgment was part of History Colorado's initiative to highlight landmarks in communities of color, with the Far East Center being one of the few Asian American and Pacific Islander locations on the registry. The inclusion of this site is part of the broader "Heritage for All" initiative, aimed at diversifying the state's historic registry by adding sites significant to LGBTQ+, women, and people of color.

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Day 136: Golden Spike National Historical Park, Promontory Summit, Utah
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Day 136: Golden Spike National Historical Park, Promontory Summit, Utah

📌APIA Every Day (136) -The Golden Spike National Historical Park, located in Promontory Summit, Utah, commemorates the completion of the first transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. This historic event marked the unification of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads, creating a continuous railway line across the United States. The driving of the "golden spike" during the ceremony symbolized this significant technological achievement and recognized the critical contributions of immigrants, particularly the Chinese laborers, who played an essential role in the construction.

Chinese laborers were vital to the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad, forming the majority of its workforce. Initially hired as an experiment in 1865 due to labor shortages, their recruitment faced significant resistance from widespread anti-Chinese sentiment. Despite this opposition, the Central Pacific Railroad found Chinese workers to be highly effective, leading to the hiring of more laborers directly from China. By 1867, Chinese workers made up 80 to 90 percent of the Central Pacific workforce and were primarily tasked with the arduous and dangerous work of tunneling through the Sierra Nevada mountains and laying tracks.

Despite their critical contributions, Chinese laborers faced significant pay disparities and harsh working conditions compared to their white counterparts. Earning $31 to $35 per month, less than the $40 paid to white workers, they also had to cover their own living expenses. These injustices led to a major strike on June 25, 1867, involving around 5,000 Chinese workers demanding better pay and conditions. Although the strike was ultimately unsuccessful due to Central Pacific superintendent Charles Crocker cutting off their food supplies, it highlighted the crucial role of Chinese laborers in the construction process. Their efforts were indispensable to the successful completion of the transcontinental railroad, celebrated with the golden spike ceremony on May 10, 1869. The Golden Spike National Historical Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Park in 2019.

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Day 135: Nippon Hospital, Stockton, California
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Day 135: Nippon Hospital, Stockton, California

📌APIA Every Day (135) - The Nippon Hospital situated in Stockton, California, played a crucial role in the local Japanese community, which was one of the largest in the United States in the early 20th century. Constructed through the efforts of the local Japanese association and funded by Tokutaro Matsumoto, a wealthy farmer, the two-story building was established in 1919. Staffed by individuals like G. T. Nakagawa and Joseph F. Ogata, it served the medical needs of the Japanese population, marking an early instance of Japanese Americans entering professional healthcare fields.

In 1922, the hospital was reorganized and renamed the Stockton Hospital, with financing achieved through the sale of 400 shares of stock at $25 each. Another reorganization occurred in 1925, allowing the facility to continue operating for a few more years. However, by around 1930, financial difficulties forced the hospital to close, and the building was repurposed as the Bryant Hotel, which remains its function today. Its association with the ethnic history of Japanese Americans and its role in the community's development contribute to its historical significance, resulting in its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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Day 134: Likinlulem, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia
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Day 134: Likinlulem, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia

📌APIA Every Day (134) - Likinlulem, an archaeological site on Kosrae in Micronesia, is historically significant for its continuous occupation from around AD 1000 to 1800, particularly during a formative period between AD 1200 and 1600. This era was marked by regional centers competing for dominance, and Likinlulem played a key role in the development of Kosrae’s political and social structures. Oral histories and genealogies indicate that the island's traditional title system and chiefly lines originated here, with Likinlulem serving as the residence of high chiefs. The site’s strategic location in the earliest settled region of Kosrae reinforced its status and influence during this critical period.

Culturally, Likinlulem is notable for its monumental architecture, which includes a complex of enclosures defined by basalt boulder walls, a paved canoe landing, a mooring facility, a grand staircase, and channelized streams. These features demonstrate advanced environmental control and architectural skill, indicating the site's role as an elite residence. Today, Likinlulem is largely hidden by dense jungle, but it remains well-preserved with intact subsurface deposits and buried architectural components. The site's good condition and limited excavation suggest it holds a wealth of information yet to be uncovered. This potential makes Likinlulem a crucial site for understanding Kosrae's prehistory and contributes valuable insights into the broader history of the Pacific region. As such, Likinlulem, representing Micronesian heritage and prehistory, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

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Day 133: Locke Historic District, Sacramento, California
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Day 133: Locke Historic District, Sacramento, California

📌APIA Every Day (133) - The Locke Historic District, located in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in Sacramento County, California, is a key historical site representing rural, agricultural Chinese American communities. Established in 1915 by Chinese immigrants from Heungshan County (now Zhongshan), Guangdong Province, China, Locke was built following a fire that destroyed the Chinese section of Walnut Grove [see Day 73]. The town was established on land leased from George Locke because California's Alien Land Law of 1913 prohibited non-citizens from owning land. This lease allowed Chinese residents to construct buildings but not to own the land itself.

Chinese immigration to the U.S. increased significantly during the 19th century due to factors such as the California Gold Rush, the Taiping Rebellion, and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. After the railroad's completion in 1869, many Chinese laborers moved to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to work on levee projects, utilizing their expertise in farming river valleys. This labor transformed swampy lands into valuable agricultural areas, creating demand for manual labor and leading many Chinese workers to settle in towns like Locke, Walnut Grove, Isleton, and Rio Vista.

Locke grew as a vibrant community with homes, businesses, and recreational facilities catering to Chinese laborers and the local workforce. However, the town's population and economic activity declined during the Great Depression and with the mechanization of agriculture. The end of Prohibition and changes in the agricultural industry further reduced the town's vitality. In 1977, the town was sold to a Hong Kong development company, and in 1990, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency acquired Locke in 2002, and ongoing preservation efforts aim to maintain its historical buildings and legacy.

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Day 132: “Are There Really Only Two Asian Lesbians in Chicago?”: Queer Asian Visibility and Community Formation Collection, Chicago, Illinois
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Day 132: “Are There Really Only Two Asian Lesbians in Chicago?”: Queer Asian Visibility and Community Formation Collection, Chicago, Illinois

📌APIA Every Day (132) - “‘Are There Really Only Two Asian Lesbians in Chicago?’: Queer Asian Visibility and Community Formation in Chicago”, is an online exhibit curated by Laura Sachiko Fugikawa, Assistant Professor of American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Colby College. The collection focuses on the creation of queer Asian organizations in Chicago during the 1980s and 1990s. A series of articles in Chicago’s LGBTQ newspaper, Outlines: The Voice of the Gay and Lesbian Community, and self-published organizational newsletters were important tools to increase queer Asian visibility, address the issues queer Asians felt were most critical, and serve as outreach for newly formed organizations. Items in this collection provide insight into why queer Asian groups formed during this time period and how individuals came together to create multi-ethnic, queer Asian organizations.

During the 1980s and 1990s, queer Asians in Chicago were part of broader LGBTQ movements, participating in marches for rights and equality while facing the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and advocating against discriminatory policies. Despite being often overlooked in mainstream LGBTQ history, queer Asians played significant roles in organizing and activism, contributing to movements such as Asian American, socialist, and queer political actions. The emergence of diverse, pan-Asian ethnic LGBTQ groups marked a significant milestone in the national gay and lesbian Asian movement, fostering the formation of various groups across major cities like San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago.

The formation of queer Asian organizations in Chicago during this period was not only a response to social exclusion but also a political act aimed at resisting marginalization and building new networks of power. These groups provided crucial support networks for queer Asians, offering spaces for socializing, advocacy, and community building. Through their activism, social gatherings, and political actions, queer Asians in Chicago navigated the intersections of race, gender, immigration, and sexuality, contributing to the broader tapestry of LGBTQ histories while challenging societal norms and fostering greater visibility and recognition for their communities.

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Day 131: Seattle Chinatown-International District, Washington
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Day 131: Seattle Chinatown-International District, Washington

📌APIA Every Day (131) - Seattle's Chinatown-International District (CID), located in Seattle, Washington has a significant historical background, originating in the late 19th century as a settlement for Chinese immigrants seeking employment opportunities. Over time, it evolved into a diverse community, attracting immigrants from Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Chinatown and Japantown emerged as bustling centers for commerce and social life within the CID.

Despite facing challenges such as the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and the construction of Interstate 5, the CID has shown resilience. In 1973, community activism led to the creation of the International Special Review District, aiming to protect the neighborhood's heritage. Today, the CID is recognized for its historic buildings, long-standing businesses, and cultural activities.

However, the CID now confronts potential disruptions from proposed transit expansion plans by Sound Transit. These plans involve constructing a new tunnel as part of the Link light rail expansion project, raising concerns among residents and businesses. A coalition of community stakeholders is advocating for fair decision-making to minimize negative impacts. Development plans should consider the neighborhood's identity and minimize disruption to its residents and businesses.

As Seattle's last remaining Chinatown, the CID plays a crucial role in the city's diverse landscape and requires preservation efforts, accordingly, exacerbated by the community's collective dedication to protecting the CID from potential harm. The CID was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and was designated as one of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places in 2023.

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