SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Since California’s statehood 175 years ago, members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community have left an indelible mark on California’s rich history, overcoming extreme prejudice and discrimination to flourish in all walks of California life.

The Friends of California Archives salutes their tenacity and accomplishments during the May celebration of AAPI Heritage Month. 

“California’s treatment of Chinese and Japanese immigrants, in particular, during the 19th century was abhorrent and embarrassing,” said Caren Daniels Lagomarsino, president of The Friends of California Archives. “They were victims of riots, massacres and nativist racism. But through it all, they endured and contributed so much to the fabric of California life.” 

During the early wave of immigration after statehood, there was significant anti-Asian sentiment. In 1862, Gov. Leland Stanford referred to Asian immigrants as an “inferior race.” He supported “repression of the immigration of the Asiatic races,” although he hired hard-working Chinese immigrants to build his railroad and make him one of the wealthiest persons in California.

In addition, California imposed the Foreign Miners’ Tax, which primarily targeted Chinese miners, and local and state laws restricted where Chinese immigrants could work and live. In 1882, Congress suspended immigration of Chinese laborers. 

“What an amazing example of resilience and toughness,” Lagomarsino added. “From champion skater Michelle Kwan and civil rights activist Fred Korematsu to Yahoo cofounder Jerry Yang and author Amy Tan, members of California’s AAPI community have distinguished themselves in every walk of life.” 

One 19th century heroine was immigrant Mary Tape, born in Shanghai, who won a landmark state Supreme Court case that ruled public schools could not refuse to admit her daughter.

Nearly a century later, March Fong became the first Asian American woman to win a seat in the State Assembly. She would also serve 19 years as California’s Secretary of State, then known as March Fong Eu. She was the first Asian American woman in U.S. history to be elected to a statewide office. Mary Tape and March Fong Eu are featured in The Time Travelers, published by The Friends of California Archives, which is designed to appeal to children in grades 4 through 6. It is included in the State Library’s CA 175 reading list, which celebrates California’s 175th anniversary.