The Asian American Writers’ Workshop, the Strand Book Store, and The Cooper Union will convene a multidisciplinary celebration of over a century of Asian American activism in New York City. Gathering at The Cooper Union’s historic Great Hall – the site of the formation of the Chinese Equal Rights League one hundred and thirty years prior – we’ll be joined by writers, artists, organizers, and local politicians to discuss activism across the Asian diaspora in New York City. From unionizing to guerrilla art collectives, we’ll celebrate the vibrant and vital coalition who call New York home. 

Registration is required. Register here.

The program will feature an Indian classical dance performance by Leela New York, including a note on the role of movement in activism from Ria DasGupta. Following the dance performance, Wajahat Ali will moderate a conversation between author Gina Apostol, organizer Whitney Hu, and city council member Shekar Krishnan, who is a 2006 alumnus of Cooper's Albert Nerken School of Engineering, with others to be announced. 

Local activist organizations will join us in the lobby outside the Great Hall, to discuss their work, and ways for audience members to get involved beyond the event. Books will be available for sale via the Strand. 

This event will be free and open to the public: all attendees are required to show proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination and booster and must wear a CDC-recommended mask (disposable surgical, KN95, KF94, or N95) while indoors. Cloth masks alone are not permitted, but may be worn as a second layer over a disposable surgical mask.

This program is part of The Gardiner Foundation Great Hall Forum series.