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CAPAC Members Mark 35th Anniversary of the Murder of Vincent Chin

June 19, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks the 35th anniversary of the murder of Vincent Chin. During a period of strong anti-Asian sentiment in Detroit, Michigan due to the rise of the Japanese automotive industry, Chin was assaulted and beaten to death by two autoworkers who blamed Chin for the loss of their jobs. Neither assailant served any time in prison for their crimes, which sparked outrage from the Asian Pacific American community, and led to the emergence of a pan-ethnic Asian Pacific American movement. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“The murder of Vincent Chin thirty-five years ago sparked a pan-Asian Pacific American movement to fight against hate and injustice that continues to this day. With the increasingly dangerous political rhetoric plaguing our national discourse, it is more important now than ever to remember Vincent Chin's story and to remain vigilant in speaking out against xenophobia and racism. The movement that followed Chin’s death demonstrates the power we have when we stand together and speak with a united voice against injustice.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“The ignorance and hate which fueled the brutal murder of Vincent Chin 35 years ago is an enduring stain on our history, and the failure of our judicial system to hold his killers accountable made this great tragedy even worse. Today, as communities of color work together to combat hate and racism, we rely on the foundations established by Asian American Pacific Islander communities more than three decades ago. While he is no longer with us, Vincent’s story continues to inspire us to fight for justice and equality.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“As we mark thirty-five years since the senseless murder of Vincent Chin, we cannot ignore the parallels of hate and xenophobia that still plague our country today. Vincent’s story is a stark reminder of how far we have yet to go to combat hate and violence, but it is also a reminder that unity often follows tragedy. We, as Americans, do not accept acts of bigotry and intolerance, and we will continue to stand together against hate in any form it takes.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.