Asian Americans

Generation Rising

During a time of war and social tumult, a young generation fights for equality in the fields, on campuses and in the culture, and claim a new identity: Asian Americans. The war’s aftermath brings new immigrants and refugees who expand the population and the definition of Asian America.

May 11 & 12 at 8PM

Asian Americans is a five-hour film series that delivers a bold, fresh perspective on a history that matters today, more than ever.

As America becomes more diverse, and more divided while facing unimaginable challenges, how do we move forward together?

Told through intimate personal stories, the series will cast a new lens on U.S. history and the ongoing role that Asian Americans have played in it.

Asian Americans Clips

"It Reminds Me I Have a Legacy To Live Up To"

Annie Tan uncovers a dark moment in her family's history.

‘If You Were in That Circle, You Are Going to Be Arrested’

In 1968 San Francisco State students mounted the longest campus strike in US history.

‘I Was Trying to Figure out Who I Was’

Laureen Chew grew up sheltered in Chinatown. The SF State strike changed her forever.

Asian Immigrants Helped Build the Silicon Valley

Asian American entrepreneurs like Jerry Yang helped build Silicon Valley into a powerhouse

Patsy Mink: The First Woman of Color in the U.S. Congress

Patsy Mink, the first woman of color in Congress, paved the way for generations.

‘They Liked to Pit the Mexicans Against the Filipinos’

After Filipino farmworkers walked off the grape fields, Mexican workers joined them.

‘We Farmworkers Should Have an Organization of Our Own’

The oft forgotten history of Filipino farmworkers who launched the 1965 grape strike.

Hari Kondabolu Recalls the Perilous Days After 9/11

After 9/11 Hari Kondabolu was treated like a foreigner in his own country.

Tereza Lee Was the Inspiration for the Dream Act

Tereza Lee went from undocumented and afraid to DREAM Act immigrant activist.

Learning Their Asian American Roots at San Quentin Prison

The Roots Program brings Asian American history to San Quentin prison.

He Fought in Vietnam, but He Had the Face of the Enemy

Mike Nakayama was an American GI, but he was still seen as the enemy.

For Susan Ahn, WWII Was a Fight for America and Korea

For Korean Americans like Susan Ahn, WWII was a fight to defend both the U.S. and Korea.

Satsuki Ina Was Born American but Looked Like the Enemy

For Satsuki Ina, the question of loyalty began when she was born behind barbed wire.

The Astonishing Story of the Men Who Built the Railroad

Chinese immigrants who built the railroad were erased from history, but not forgotten.

A Louisiana Family Discovers Their South Asian Roots

In segregated America, Indian immigrants found home and family in communities of color.

Asians Were America’s First “Undocumented Immigrants”

The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act made Asians the nation’s first “undocumented immigrants.”

Asian Americans Specials

Part 3: Breaking Through

At the turn of the new millennium, the U.S becomes more diverse, yet more divided.

Part 2: Good Americans & Generation Rising

Asian Americans fight for equality and expand the definition of Asian American.

Breaking Through

At the turn of the new millennium, the U.S becomes more diverse, yet more divided.

Good Americans

Asian Americans fight for equality and expand the definition of Asian American.