Wing Luke Museum Calls for Cross-Cultural Solidarity in Response to Hate Crime

SEATTLE, September 20, 2023 (Newswire.com) - In the immediate aftermath of a Sept. 14 hate crime that left thousands of dollars in damage to the Wing Luke Museum, Executive Director Joël Barraquiel Tan called for a renewed and reinvigorated sense of solidarity among the region's cultural institutions. 

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, hate crimes targeting Asians and Asian Americans increased significantly, rising more than 73 percent in 2020. Since 2020, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed 130 cases involving hate crimes. Increased home invasions targeting Asian families in South King County and the recent hate crime committed against the Wing Luke Museum reinforce the need for solidarity and partnership as a response to racially motivated crimes.

"Since the Sept. 14 attack on the Museum, we have received an overwhelming response of support from the community and our partners," said Barraquiel Tan. "Through solidarity and partnership, we can make Seattle and the larger region a place of belonging and vibrant diversity. We are the ones we've been waiting for." 

The Museum has long-standing relationships with a wide range of organizations, including the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Chinese Information and Service Center, the Washington State Jewish Historical Society and others.

Many of these organizations are already partnering with the Museum to create an interactive education and public program, "Confronting Hate In Seattle." The project involves organizations in the Asian American, African American and Jewish communities, working together to bring a portion of the "Confronting Hate, 1937-1952" exhibit to Seattle, localized with the region's distinct stories and history.   

"Our mission's work will not be deterred by the recent hate crime," said Barraquiel Tan. "Meaningful collaborations like 'Confronting Hate in Seattle,' and others, live as powerful examples of the profound work we can do in solidarity and I believe we can do more as others join our work." 

About Wing Luke Museum

The Wing Luke Museum's mission is to connect everyone to the rich history, dynamic cultures and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, National Park Service Affiliated Area, and the only pan-Asian American museum in the nation, The Wing Luke Museum is a national treasure, preserving and sharing the personal stories of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Visit www.wingluke.org.

Source: Wing Luke Museum