Rainbow Push Bay Area brings the Asian American and African American Community together for 3-Days of special events featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
Rainbow Push Bay Area brings the Asian American and African American Community together for 3-Days of special events featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (San Francisco, CA) – In collaboration with the Interfaith Community, Activists & Organizers, Rainbow PUSH Bay Area will host several events with Rev. Jesse Jackson as AN AFFIRMATION of African American & Asian American/Pacific Islander Solidarity, A COMMEMORATION of the 39th Anniversary of the Murder of Vincent Chin, and A CELEBRATION of Unity, Peace & Support for one another.
Rev. Norman Fong, who credits Rev. Jackson for “changing his life” as a young minister when the civil rights icon came to San Francisco in the 1980’s, has been a cornerstone of faith and leader the San Francisco non-profit Chinatown Community Development Center for three decades before retiring. But with the recent surge in Asian attacks, he went back to work part-time announced today the collaboration with the Interfaith Community, Activists and Organizers to host a 3-day event: FROM VINCENT CHIN to GEORGE FLOYD…“SOLIDARITY in the STRUGGLE” With Rev. Jesse Jackson.
The events kick-off on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, with a Solidarity Dinner at the Far East Restaurant to honor Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. for his life-long commitment of inclusion and support of the Asian Community. The commemoration continues Thursday Cameron House Reunion featuring individual who worked side by side with Rev. Jackson as well as recognize Cameron House Public Housing Residents. The reunion will be followed by a Youth Chat for students and young activists. This event will provide opportunity for youth from the Chinese American Community and other communities to discuss solidarity in the struggle with Reverend Jackson with lessons learned from the growth of activism surrounding the tragedies of the killing of Vincent Chin decades ago and of George Floyd more recently. On Friday, June 18, 2021, will conclude the series of events with a Unity Rally at the Historic Portsmouth Square.
Saturday June 19, 2021, will mark the 39th anniversary of the death of 27-year-old Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man, was celebrating with friends at his bachelor party in Detroit, Michigan, when he encountered two white autoworkers, Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz. “That’s why it was important to have Rev. Jackson with us during this week”, according to Rev. Norman Fong.
In the ’80s, the U.S. auto industry faced growing troubles as the recession impacted jobs across the country, resulting in rising unemployment among autoworkers. At the same time, the presence of Japanese auto manufacturers was growing in the U.S. “Rev. Jackson fighting for equal justice after the death of Vincent Chin was transformational for the Asian community and San Francisco in particular. It was the first time the Chinese community was embraced by a civil rights leader, and it made a significant and everlasting impression this is one of the many reasons we are honoring Rev. Jackson,” said Norman Fong.
“Our world has re-engaged a movement for social justice and equality sparked by the tragic police killings of African Americans, especially in 2020. Now in 2021 our Asian brothers and sisters are under attack more than ever, and we must join together to continue to fight for justice for all,” said Dr. Joseph Bryant, Jr., Executive Director of Rainbow PUSH Silicon Valley/Bay Area & West Coast Field Director for Rev. Jackson. “Solidarity in the Struggle” is a time to celebrate unity, peace, love, and support for one another.
Rainbow Push Bay Area brings the Asian American and African American Community together for 3-Days of special events featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.
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