***For Immediate Release***
June 14, 2002
Contact: Ann Poochareon         ann@lantern.org

Remembering Vincent: From Square One to Justice // June 19, 2002

The Asian American Artists Collective - Chicago joins several organizations locally and nationally in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the race-based murder of Vincent Chin. The Collective event entitled, "Remembering Vincent: From Square One to Justice" will be held on June 19th, 6:30pm at Square One Cafe, 1561 North Milwaukee. Bringing together activists and artists, community members and public officials, "Remembering Vincent" seeks to honor the life of Vincent Chin, continue the dialogue regarding Anti-Asian violence and hate crimes, and explore ways to take action against current Anti-Asian sentiment in a "post 9-1-1 age."

On June 19, 1982, Vincent Chin, a Chinese American, was murdered in Detroit by two white autoworkers who had reportedly mistaken him as Japanese and blamed him for their plight. In an astounding failure of the justice system, both murderers were sentenced to three years probation and fined $3,000 plus $780 in fees. Neither autoworker ever served a day in prison for their crime. Vincent's murder was a major catalyst in galvanizing concerned citizens across the country, and continues to drive the Asian American movement.

"Twenty years later, in the midst of increased violence against Asian Americans, we must continue to ask ourselves who killed Vincent Chin," says Marlon Esguerra, a co-founder of the Collective. "To honor Vincent's life and the lives of all victims of hate-crimes is to stand up against current physical, institutional and legislative violence against our community."

The 20th anniversary of Vincent's death and the importance of organized, protracted action for justice is underscored by the untimely death of Lily Chin, the mother of Vincent, who passed away on June 9, 2002.

"Remembering Vincent" will include poetry readings from members of the Collective followed by a free screening of the Academy-award nominated documentary film, "Who Killed Vincent Chin?," by Christine Choy and Renee Tajima. The Collective is pleased to have representatives from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Asian Affairs, Illinois Asian American Hate Crime Network, Chicago Chapter of FilCRA (Filipino Civil Rights Advocates), Cook County States Attorney's Office, the Asian American Institute, the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media, Asian Health Coalition of Illinois, Leadership Center for Asian Pacific Americans and the South Asian Progressive Action Collective present to speak and answer questions.

The evening will close with a candle light vigil and a reading of names of the various victims of hate crimes. The candle light vigil procession will then silently march from Square One café to Wicker Park.

"We have to remember not only what happened to Vincent Chin, but what didn't happen," reminds Ben Lumicao of the Filipino Civil Rights Advocates-Chicago. "Let's remember that at the first trial of Chin's attackers, there were no members of the Asian community present in the courtroom for the trial. The prosecutor didn't show up for the sentencing hearing. Neither Chin's mother nor any of the witnesses to the crime were called to testify. We need to remind ourselves to hold not only our public safety and judicial systems accountable, but ourselves as well. Vincent Chin's family should never have had to stand alone at that trial. Attending this event is important."

"Remembering Vincent: From Square One to Justice"
Wednesday June 19, 2002
6:30 - 9pm
Square One Cafe
1561 North Milwaukee

(south of the Damen, Milwaukee, North intersection)
free and open to the public

For more information on Vincent Chin, contact:

American Citizens for Justice
P.O. Box 2735
Southfield, MI 48037

http://www.VincentChin.net
http://www.OCAnatl.org
http://rededication.cjb.net