OCA Commemorates the Anniversary of Vincent Chin’s Death
For Immediate Release
June 23, 2024
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates solemnly commemorates the 42nd anniversary of Vincent Chin’s death. On this day in 1982, against a backdrop of rising anti-Japanese sentiment in the American automotive industry, Vincent Chin, a Chinese American, was tragically killed by two white autoworkers.
The assailants were reportedly heard uttering racial slurs along with derogatory terms like “nip” and “chink.” These hateful words were pivotal in the federal civil rights trial, demonstrating that the attack was motivated by racial hatred. The attackers’ indifference to Chin’s actual ethnicity underscored the fact that this was an act of anti-Asian racism.
The lenient sentencing of the attackers, who were fined $3,000 and given three years probation without jail time, underscored the grave injustices faced by Asian Americans. This event sparked the formation of a unified Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) identity and increased AAPI political activism within the community.
“Decades later, Asian Americans still face discrimination and political violence,” stated OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “The continued anti-Asian physical attacks and rhetoric, fueled by both the post-COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. economic competition with China, are grim reflections of the challenges that plague Asian American communities. These incidents are not isolated but rather a continuation of the historical discrimination exemplified by the tragic case of Vincent Chin. His story, a reminder of the consequences of xenophobia and racial scapegoating, is being mirrored in today’s ‘competition with China’ rhetoric. Vincent Chin’s legacy is a call to action, urging us to confront and dismantle the prejudices that undermine the principles of equality and justice in our society.”
“In remembrance of Vincent Chin, we are reminded of the enduring need for solidarity and action against the forces of racism and xenophobia,” stated OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates National President Linda Ng. “ His death was not only a tragedy but also a rallying cry that awakened a collective resolve among AAPI. Today, as we face a resurgence of hate and discrimination, let us honor Vincent’s memory by continuing to fight for a world where diversity is celebrated, and justice prevails.”
As we remember Vincent Chin, OCA remains committed to combating discrimination and violence against Asian Americans. We call upon all members of our community to join us in this enduring fight for civil rights and recognition.
If you, your family, friends, or community members have been the victim of a hate crime or incident, please use our hate crimes reporting tool at aapihatecrimes.org.
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About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.