Jeannie | Asian American Pacific Islander History Museum
I’m an immigrant first. Nowadays, the word “immigrant” has such a negative connotation. People think of us as criminals. But I am an immigrant — I came here as a child with both of my parents. I see myself as someone who embraced all of my parents’ dreams of moving to a country, fulfilling that, growing up as a little girl in New York City. Even (in a place) as diverse as New York City, I never saw any teacher who looked like me. And before I went to a specialized high school, I was always the only Asian person in the whole class.
I wish it could be a happy beginning (that) provoked this (museum). But it’s a tragedy that made me think about this idea. The Atlanta shooting in 2021 — that’s when I broke. Six out of eight victims were Asian-American women. I think what really bothered me the most was not just the mass shooting, but how the media took the response to the shooting. When the perpetrator was apprehended, his statement became the headlines. That really told me that we’re being misunderstood. From years of reflection, from my lived experience as an Asian-American woman, the world so readily defines who I am before I even have a chance to define myself. So I think that those are the elements that all added up together (to) say that, “I think that we need to have an open AAPI History Museum.”
We actually still have the video before this place was occupied. There was no carpet — basically like a parking lot type of floor. The city of Providence required (us to) to contract an architectural design. Before then, while we had the Mobile Museum, I was already writing inquiries, different foundations, different things, asking for grants. A lot of them said no to me, but (the) Mellon Foundation called me back. Nobody ever does that, you know?
I wanted to create in such a way that I would have a successor. It’s not going to be me forever. I already have a ten-year succession plan: train someone to be able to take over. This position, I’m doing five different people’s jobs. I hope, with time, we can train the right individual — maybe individuals — to take over.
I don’t want to keep it as “Jeannie’s museum.” I think I’m the founder with a vision. This is the community’s space. My office — there’s nothing personal. I don’t have personal photos here. After I leave for the day, anybody can plop their computer down and work. It was intentionally this way. It’s the community’s space.
Michelle Bi studies English and International & Public Affairs at Brown University. On campus, she writes for The Brown Daily Herald and is involved in social science research. She grew up in Ventura County, CA and enjoys playing guitar and crossword puzzles.
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