Why and How Should We Teach Asian American History?

Abstract

This synopsis of an interview conducted on March 12, 2021 reflects an interview conducted by Sohyun An and Ritu Radhakrishnan with Dr. Erika Lee, Regents Professor of History and Asian American Studies at the University of Minnesota. This interview took place during a time of extreme violence perpetrated against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Our conversation was subdued and anxious. However, we recognized the importance of Dr. Lee's scholarship and knowledge in framing this special issue. Our focus during this interview was to provide a context for how Asian Americans are experiencing current events and how these events have been informed by history. As a result, Dr. Lee offers a perspective on why and how we should teach Asian American history.