SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The U. S. city of San Jose said Thursday it held a rite to mark the passage of a landmark City Council solution to apologize for the city’s role in acts of discrimination against the network and the descendants of Chinese immigrants.
The rite was held Wednesday at noon at Circle of Palms Plaza, located on the site of 2d Market Street Chinatown, which was destroyed by arson in 1887 after being declared a public nuisance and a health hazard through City Hall, according to the announcement.
Five Chinatowns existed in the city between 1866 and 1931.
The instance marked through a formal reading of the City Council’s solution through Mayor Sam Liccardo, statements through local Chinese-American elected officials, an exchange of the ancient context and a reaction from the Chinese-American community.
“Thirty-four years ago, San Jose commemorated the tragic destruction of 2d Market Street Chinatown, a century ago, but with each new generation, we will have to reaffirm our commitment to justice and renew our contrition,” Liccardo said. Reconciliation recognizes the mistakes of our city beyond and serves as a reminder to keep fighting for an inclusive society. “
“Our Chinese network has long been a component of our people and this long-awaited apology from the people will be a step toward great healing,” said Raul Peralez, a member of the city council.
The city council’s solution is the result of months of close collaboration with Sino-American networking organizations and local historians.
The solution recognizes the history and contribution of the Chinese network in San Jose, as well as the systemic racism and xenophobia that have characterized the city’s official policies and movements toward the Chinese network.
Recognizing and apologizing for the city’s movements and the inhumane remedy of Chinese immigrants and their descendants, the city is committed to rectifying the consequences of discriminatory policies and institutional racism that oppose this network and beyond at a time of emerging hate crimes against Pacific Island and Asian communities. , the announcement reads.
The solution also serves as a popularity to the immense contributions of the Chinese network in San Jose to foster reconciliation and friendship.
“Members of our city council are embarking on a long adventure toward reconciliation through this apology solution for a sad history of misdeeds perpetrated against Chinese citizens in the past,” said Gerrye Kee Wong, co-founder of the China Historical and Cultural Institute Project.
“Yes, apologies are accepted, but on the other hand, let alone there are still conditions in which professors like Dr. Wen Ho Lee are still suffering all other types of FBI prosecutions and also the Asian hate factor is still very, very. “new in our own cities,” said Otto Lee, manager of the Santa Clara County Board of Trustees.
“So, let’s take this opportunity to reflect and tell others what you will do to prevent Asian hatred. What will you do to make sure that. . . it may not happen again,” said Evan Low, a member of California Montage.