FIRST in America: Antioch Offers Apology for its Xenophobic Treatment of Early Chinese Immigrants

Credit: Original Article Source: CNN.COM (thanks!)

今天Antioch 市长和市议员正式签署Resolution向早起居住在Antioch华人道歉。这是在美国历史上第一个正式对美国华人道歉的政府，在美国历史上具有里程碑意义。非常荣幸参与并见证了这一历史事件，并代表华人当选官员发言。希望我们继续努力，让更多政府对我们华人道歉，最终把我们华人移民的历史加入到美国的教课书上，彻底改变华人的待遇。

包括APAPA在内的几个在华人社区有影响的组织代表华人接受了这个道歉的Resolution。照片中的笔是市长签署道歉Resolution的笔。

几个主流媒体都对此进行了报道:

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/5697747-city-of-antioch-formally-apologizes-for-past-persecution-of-chinese-immigrants/

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/06/17/east-bay-city-first-to-formally-apologize-to-chinese-aapi-for-past-wrongs

http://contracostaherald.com/antioch-council-members-sign-resolution-apologizing-for-citys-past-anti-chinese-hate-during-public-ceremony/

当地华裔社区APAPAA等的领军人物- Andy Li 等在现场发言, 表示感谢!

CAFD Note: We commend the MayorThrope and the City of Antioch for their courageous action, for its awakening in taking the first step to combat and eradicate racial injustice! This city deserves a visit from all Asian Americans and especially Chinese Americans.

A California city apologizes for early Chinese immigrants for their xenophobic past

加州一个小城率先对为过去歧视和虐待华裔移民的历史正式道歉！

By Leah Asmelash, CNN

Updated 5:45 PM ET, Fri May 21, 2021

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe announces the approval of a resolution that apologizes to early Chinese immigrants and their descendants.

(CNN)A California city has officially apologized to early Chinese immigrants for treating them unjustly, calling it a "first step" toward racial reconciliation.

十八世纪中叶。。。

In the mid-1800s, Antioch, California -- 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.

Meanwhile, racist anti-Chinese sentiments grew, culminating in the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act. At that time, Antioch became a "Sundown Town," banning Chinese residents from walking city streets after sunset.

Antioch歧视和虐待华裔的历史在市政府的决议中有详细记录

The history is detailed in the city's resolution apologizing to the immigrants and their descendants. It unanimously passed the Antioch City Council on Tuesday.

"This is no small thing that we're doing here today," Mayor Lamar Thorpe said.

Early Chinese Americans were blamed for diseases and denied health care. So they built their own hospital

Antioch 是全美第一个城市为过去的罪行向华裔社区正式道歉！

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.

市长希望全美其他城市也步履于他们的做法！

Bottom of Form

"The fact that we can confront this demonstrates that it can be done," he said.

只要面对，就是进步。

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.

There were at least 2,410 anti-Asian hate incidents during the first three months of 2021, according 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.

市政府决议中说：针对亚裔的歧视和仇恨的历史和一直持续到今天的亚裔仇恨有直接关系!！

"The City of Antioch must acknowledge that the legacy of early Chinese immigrants and Xenophobia is part of our collective consciousness that helps contribute to the current anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander hate," the resolution states.

这是集体良心的反省！这是实实在在的进步！

In addition to the resolution, the city also discussed the designation of a Chinese historic district, as well as a museum exhibits and murals that would honor Asian achievements.

可喜可贺的是, Antioch还计划建立华裔历史“城”，以及华裔历史和贡献博物馆！！

CNN's Nicole Chavez and Harmeet Kaur contributed to this report.

Read the original Article on CNN.com Here

我们希望更多的城市面对过去的不堪历史，勇敢反省，向华裔道歉，弥补创伤，共同迈向和谐的未来！

请用下面的链接给市长留言，告诉他，我们感谢他的城市的正义和勇敢的行为！那个城市一定美丽, 那里的市民一定很友好善良! 有机会大家一定要到访他的城市。

We encourage fellow Chinese Americans to send Mayor Thorpe a comment （留言薄）, let them know we appreciate his courage, and that city will appear on our list for your road trip next time.