AAPI history gets the superhero treatment in graphic novel series
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"Fighting to Belong!", a graphic novel series chronicling Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history, released its second volume Thursday.
Why it matters: Over half of Americans can't name a significant event or policy related to Asian Americans, according to the nationwide STAATUS Index released earlier in May.
- Meanwhile, 1 in 4 Americans has no personal relationship with a person of Asian descent, often basing their views on what they hear from politicians, social media and cable news instead.
State of play: "Fighting to Belong!" published its first volume last February, introducing readers to a group of middle school protagonists who revisit key moments in AAPI history.
- Spearheaded by The Asian American Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, the planned three-part series aims to bring forgotten chapters to life for young children, though it's also easily accessible for adults.
What's inside: The second volume covers events of the 20th century, ranging from the Philippine-American War and Japanese American incarceration during World War II to history-making lawmakers like Dalip Singh Saund and Patsy Mink.
- Bay Area-related incidents include the case of Wong Kim Ark, anti-Asian violence during the Driving Out period, the Delano Grape Strike and the fair housing push in San Francisco's Manilatown.
- Other notable figures covered in the book are surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku, actress Anna May Wong, civil rights activist Fred Korematsu and social justice leader Grace Lee Boggs.
The big picture: The series, a partnership with Third State Books, is written by Amy and Alexander Chang and illustrated by Louie Chin.
- The first volume traced early AAPI experiences during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Each book comes with a curriculum guide developed by The Asian American Education Project for educators who want to bring its contents into the classroom.
What they're saying: "This is the history my generation was never taught in school — and the one our children deserve," Stephanie Lim, Third State Books co-founder and CEO, said in a statement.
- "We're not just publishing books, we're reshaping what it looks like to belong in America."
What's next: The third volume, expected in 2026, will chronicle the 21st century, including the post-9/11 climate for South Asian Americans and the COVID-driven rise in anti-Asian hate.