HomeEvents APPI Activism: A Fireside Chat with Filmmaker Grace Lee

APPI Activism: A Fireside Chat with Filmmaker Grace Lee

The Geena Davis Institute and WHIAAPI hosted a discussion and screening with award-winning filmmaker Grace Lee, discussing her documentary "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs." Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month, the event highlighted Boggs' lifelong activism, aiming to inspire social justice and activism within the AAPI community.

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

The Geena Davis Institute, in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), hosted an enlightening fireside chat featuring award-winning filmmaker Grace Lee. The event centered on her documentary, "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs," which chronicles the life of the Chinese American philosopher, writer, and activist, Grace Lee Boggs, and her activism for social justice over her life. The discussion was held in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, aiming to inspire APPI activism and social justice within the community.

Speakers and Panelists

Madeline Di Nonno: CEO of the Geena Davis Institute
Laura Shin: Acting Executive Director, WHIAANHPI
Howard Oh: Associate Director, White House Office of Public Engagement
Erika Mori Soo: Deputy Assistant to the President and AAPI Senior Liaison
Connie Chung Joe: CEO, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Southern California
Grace Lee: Filmmaker, Director
Jennifer Suh: Cultural Consultant, Gold House

Event Highlights:

To open the event, Moderator Madeline Di Nonno expressed gratitude to partners such as the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Southern California. Madeline's introduction was followed by Laura Shin, the Acting Executive Director of the WHIAAN H PI, who emphasized the importance of media in shaping values and aspirations, and its impact on APPI activism.

Afterwards, filmmaker Grace Lee shared her journey of creating the documentary "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs," which took over ten years to complete. The film emphasizes the evolution of ideas and activism throughout Grace Lee Boggs' life, reflecting her commitment to Detroit, APPI activism, and fighting for social justice. Furthermore, Grace Lee talked about the Asian American Documentary Network (A-DOC), which supports Asian Americans in the documentary field.

The event concluded with a Q&A session moderated by Jennifer Suh, during which Grace Lee shared personal anecdotes and insights, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of Grace Lee Boggs' impact and the ongoing importance of APPI activism and social justice in today’s world.

Key Takeaways

Legacy of Grace Lee Boggs: Grace Lee Boggs' lifelong dedication to activism for social justice serves as a timeless inspiration for this and future generations.
Importance of Representation: The discussion underscored the need for diverse and authentic representation in media, which is crucial for influencing societal values and aspirations.
Community and Solidarity: Building bridges between AAPI and other communities of color is essential for combating racism and promoting social equity.

Actionable Insights

Engage in Active Listening: As exemplified by Grace Lee Boggs, listening to understand the needs and experiences of diverse communities is foundational to effective organizing and activism for social justice.
Support Documentary Films: Films such as "American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs," play a critical role in educating and inspiring change. Supporting such projects can amplify marginalized voices and stories.
Join and Support AAPI Initiatives: Organizations like the WHIAANHPI and Asian Americans Advancing Justice offer resources and opportunities for people to become involved in advocacy work.
Foster Cross-Community Solidarity: Initiatives like the May 19 Project highlight the historical and ongoing solidarity between Black and Asian communities. Engaging and supporting these projects can promote mutual understanding and support.
Advocate for Media Diversity: Encourage media creators to reflect the true diversity of society in their content, which can influence public perceptions and promote inclusivity.

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