Chinese American Museum remembers 1871 LA massacre

The Chinese American Museum will never forget the 17 or more lives lost in the 1871 Chinese Massacre.

The Los Angeles museum hosted its annual commemoration of that horrendous day, marking 153 years on the anniversary of the mass killing.

The massacre took place on October 24, 1871, when a mob of approximately 500 individuals, consisting of White and Mexican Americans, descended on Los Angeles’ Chinatown, killing at least 17 Chinese residents, including a child.

As detailed by the Zinn Education Project, the mob looted businesses and lynched many victims in public spaces. Although some perpetrators were initially convicted, their sentences were overturned a year later, underscoring the racial injustices of the era​.

The 2024 commemoration, held at Pico House in Los Angeles, featured a candlelight vigil led by Dr. Gay Yuen, Board Chair of Friends of CAM, and included a traditional Chinese bowing ceremony to honor the spirits of those killed.

Paula Yoo, author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry, delivered a keynote speech, reflecting on the massacre’s relevance to modern struggles against racism and xenophobia.

As reported by the Chinese American Museum, this annual event is designed to ensure that the tragedy is not forgotten and to encourage discussions on ongoing racial issues​

CAM has been hosting the commemoration since 2010, creating a space for reflection and public education about this dark chapter in history. The event aligns with the museum’s mission to foster understanding, combat racism, and promote social justice.

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