5 Powerful Asian Women you Should've Learned about in School
Written by Akkarsorn Opilan (Ang-Ang)| Edited by Akkarsorn Opilan (Ang-Ang) | Designed by Auliya Naura Telaumbanua (Liya)
Anna May Wong
Born in Chinatown, LA, Anna May Wong is considered the first Asian-American. During her lifetime, Wong was casted in over 50 films. However, she was denied many leading roles in films. Wong disliked Asian stereotypes perpetuated by American films. In substitution, she was often cast in roles that negatively portrayed the Asian woman as submissive, sexual, and evil or she was disallowed to even partake in the film.
Today, there are many Asian Americans who play leading roles. Although Anna May Wong is not with us today, her roles in many movies helped her gain worldwide recognition and inspire many Asian American actors and actresses who want to pursue careers in the entertainment industry.
Info: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a32346961/who-is-anna-may-wong-hollywood-star/
Patsy Mink
Born in Paia, Hawaii as a third-generation Japanese American, Mink was committed to achieving women’s rights, civil rights, and equal access to education. Throughout her life, Mink was faced with discrimination due to her race and her marriage, leading her to fight for justice and what’s morally right. Without Mink, women wouldn’t have achieved the success they have today and not all students would have access to equal opportunities in the United States of America.
Info: https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org/
Chien-Shiung Wu
The Manhattan Project, a research and development group, created nuclear weapons. Chien-Shiung Wu is an important figure who made crucial contributions towards not only the Manhattan Project, but also physics in general.
While living in Shanghai China, Chien-Shiung was one of the many girls who sought an education (which was fairly uncommon back then). After continuing her education in the United States, Chien-Shiung joined the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. After World War 2, Chien-Shiung continued working towards progress and knowledge in atomic science.
Info: https://www.nps.gov/people/dr-chien-shiung-wu-the-first-lady-of-physics.htm
Kamala Harris
Being the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, she is one of the only politicians who understands the immigrant perspective and racial injustice in America.
After graduating college, Harris began her career as the District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco. Later, Harris ran for Senate, where she became the second African American senator and first South Asian American senator in United States history. Harris fought for progress towards climate change, played a huge part in the National Mortgage settlement in California, and introduced legislations to help working-class peopleAlthough she dropped out of the 2020 presidential race, Harris’s achievements are groundbreaking and historical; she inspires many people to pursue politics today. \
Info: https://www.harris.senate.gov/about
The Trung Sisters
Trung Trac, the elder sister, was the widow of Thi Sach, lord of Chau Dien, who was assassinated by a Chinese general for plotting against the Chinese. Her sister, Trung Nhi, marched into Chinese territory, forcing the general to leave. They later proclaimed themselves queens of an independent territory, now Southern China and Huế, Vietnam. Unfortunately, their victory was short-lived, as they were defeated by Chinese troops near present Hanoi. Defying their defeat, both sisters commited suicide.