These notes were discussed and created with Mr. McLellan’s guidance.
Hi, my name is Sylvie Bowman, and I am the creator and one of the moderators of this panel discussion we are having. The purpose of this discussion is to open up pathways for connectivity and conversation between the African American and Asian American Pacific Islander communities of Charlottesville. With me, I have Richelle Claiborne, Nick Feggans, Patricia or P.K. Ross, and Tracey Wang.
As far as ground rules go, please be respectful of your fellow panelists and keep the debate healthy and calm. Only one person will talk at a time, and not everyone needs to answer the same question. I cannot wait to hear what you all have to say; I am so honored to be working with everyone here today.
Alright, let’s get started. Please introduce yourself, your occupation, and your focus of study, if any.
Questions:
- What’s a general label you’ve heard our society use to reference individuals of Asian heritage? How do those labels impact the way other minorities view Asian American?
- How do you typify the relationship between African Americans and Asian Americans in the US?
- David Hillard, the Chief of Staff of the Black Panther Party, once said “You’re Yellow Panthers, we’re Black Panthers.” How have “Yellow Panthers” and “Black Panthers,” in reference to Asian Americans and African Americans respectively, either upheld that solidarity or strayed away from it?
- Given that many of you work within education, what are your opinions over affirmative action for colleges? How have you seen disagreements unfold between people of color over this issue?
- (Additional question if we have time) *Some of you may have heard of the “Yellow Peril Supports Black Power” movement that experienced its peak in the 60s. Are the sentiments that gave birth to that movement still evident today?*
Supplementary questions:
The “Yellow Peril Supports Black Power” movement in the 60s was one of America’s most memorable moments of inter-minority unity. The sentiments that gave birth to that movement have been fading over the decades.
- Richelle Claiborne: What can you do to expand the diversity of your audiences at your performances?
- Nick Feggans: What can you do to create more unity between Asian Americans and African Americans?
- PK Ross: How can Asian Americans and African Americans in the food industry bond and work together?
- Tracey Wang: Could you tell me more about your research at UVA? Has this panel shed any light on your studies?
Concluding question: How can you use this panel to instill a sense of understanding between Asian Americans and African Americans in your communities?