In the gold-rush era, initial ceremonial greetings soon gave way to bigotry and violence as Chinese immigrants were tarred as a “coolie race” and cast as a threat to free white labor. The two books under review tell the story of how and why.
What made the strike successful were two factors: collective action under common goals and the willingness for immigrants, especially women, to be unapologetically vocal about their concerns. Its lessons about racism and justice are still relevant.
The choice confronting the Biden administration is whether to expand an immigration program prioritizing grower profits over workers’ and immigrants’ rights, or to reinforce an immigration system based on family reunification and community stability.
Spread the word