Formative Years
The period of the 1970s to the 1980s produced foundational impacts that necessitated a critical examination of U.S. society and its history. This decade had many radical counter-movements that confronted U.S. neoliberalism and neo-imperialism by challenging the Vietnam War, racial inequality, decolonization, police brutality, and the stratification of the U.S. wealth gap. Despite the emergence of "the New Right" and the extensive volatility of this period, this moment also led to enduring struggles, cross-cultural coalitions, and the articulation of the politically constructed, pan-Asian identity of "Asian American." Building from the momentum of the 1960s, the political activism from this period strengthened the foundation for the years to come.
"The [Third World] Forum holds a very important position in that it is an alternative publication that counters the propaganda of the established media." - Sakura Kone
Third World Forum Artwork, 1990
California Aggie
Archives and Special Collections, UC Davis Library
Shortly after the Third World Student Strikes at UC Davis, members of the cross-racial student coalition formed the Third World News (the precursor to Third World Forum) in the Spring of 1970. To learn more about the Third World Forum, please view Third World Forum Exhibit curated by the UC Davis Race Project: https://twfe.ucdavis.edu/
Herb Sala, Susan Shinnick, “Asian Women’s Forum Attacks Oppression,” February 27, 1976 . Third World Forum.
In 1976, UC Davis held a forum in Freeborn Hall to discuss and analyze the experiences of Asian Women. The panel included Cal State professors Pat Sumi and Betty Eng, and activist Estele Habal. The forum raised awareness about the racism, social inequality, exploitative labor practices, and oppression Asian women face in the United States, especially female college students.
Sue Cockrell (Photographer, Third World Forum)
“Vera Cruz Calls for Unity,” November 17, 1971
California Aggie
David Dodd, Ken Lo, “Asian American Organize Support Kagiwada,” February 2, 1977, California Aggie.
In 1977, Professor George Kagiwada, director of the UC Davis Asian American Studies Department since it’s conception, was denied tenure by the university. Many students and faculty disagreed with the university’s decision and perceived it as an injustice towards Asian Americans. In protest, many organized rallies to support Kagiwada and demand changes to the campus’s tenure process. Ultimately, after several protests, they were successful and Kagiwada was awarded tenure later in 1977.
David Dodd, Ken Lo “Miffed Ethnic Studies Supporters March on Mrak,” March 2, 1977, California Aggie.
“Fifty to 75 supporters of Ethnic Studies programs at UCD marched from the quad to Mrak Hall yesterday to present Vice-Chancellor Tom Dutton of Student Affairs With petitions gathered in support of Asian American studies.”
Protest Sign c. 1977
Cruz Reynoso papers
Archives and Special Collections, UC Davis Library
Ken Lo, “India Night ‘78 Enchants Freeborn,” January, 30 1978, California Aggie.
In 1978, The UC Davis Indian Student Association hosted an event to showcase Indian culture, including food, clothing, music, and dance, and to highlight the accomplishments of South Asian students. The Indian Student Association also used the event to raise awareness about colonization and celebrate the 28th anniversary of India’s Independence from the British Empire. The student-run organization continued to host annual “India Nights” for the next several years.
Lance W. Lee
Asian Pacific student union conference, December 4, 1979
California Aggie/Third World Forum
“It was inspirational seeing so many different groups getting together for a specific cause,” Scott Nii (UC Davis Student)”
Doranne Dill, “Indian Compares Two Cultures” April, 14 1981, California Aggie.
As the Rotary Foundation Scholar, Brindas Ramachandran presented her experiences as an international student to the UC Davis Rotary Club in 1981 and raised awareness for the plights of other international students. A Mumbai native, Ramachandran compared South Asian cultures to Western customs and traditions, and described the lack of culture shock she experienced due to the widespread prevalence of American culture in South Asia.
Ethan Watters, Al Stone “Students Crash Chancellor’s Office.” April 14, 1984 California Aggie.
“Over 100 students chanting "Hell no, we won't go" and "Save ethnic studies" marched across campus and into Chancellor James Meyer's office to protest cuts in the Asian American Studies office space and general reductions in ethnic studies programs.”
Rebecca Fretwell
“Memorial March Protests Asians’ Deaths,” May 15, 1984 California Aggie
UC Davis students, staff, and faculty held a memorial march in Davis in 1984 to honor the deaths of high school student Thong Hy Huynh, visiting scholar Naiyan Li, and graduate student Tzieh-Tsia Luo. They marched from Freeborn Hall to Davis City Hall to raise awareness and protest against the rising violence against people of Asian descent in the local community.