Activity Bellingham, Washington Riots involving South Asian Sikh immigrants
- Grade Level 9th-12th Grade
- Time Period Early 1900s
Introduction
The Bellingham Riots of 1907 were a violent backlash against Punjabi Sikh immigrants in Bellingham, Washington, fueled by racial prejudice and economic tension. The rioters targeted South Asian laborers, leading to destruction of property and a forced exodus, reflecting the broader xenophobic and discriminatory attitudes of the time. The resource includes a 15 minute video clip and a set of reflection questions
Essential Questions
Over the course of U.S. history, in what ways have Asian Americans been targets of hate crimes and discrimination?
How do discrimination and microaggressions affect minority groups in society?
What can be done to prevent further discrimination and hate crimes in our society?
How has anti-Asian racism been encoded in legal and political structures?