1882 Foundation: - Since our founding as The 1882 Project, we have sought to promote public awareness of the history and continuing significance of the Chinese Exclusion Laws. These laws were first enacted in the year 1882. They prohibited Chinese from immigrating to the United States and barred them from citizenship. In 1943, during World War II, Congress rescinded the laws for political and military reasons. Until that time, there had been no acknowledgment of six decades of federally sanctioned violations of civil rights, racial discrimination, or violent attacks over generations on Chinese and other Asians in America. In 2011-2012, we were successful in our efforts to have Congress "express regret" for the exclusion laws and reaffirming that the nation is founded upon the principle "that all persons are created equal." The 1882 Project Foundation*, as we are officially known, continues to broaden public understanding of the laws, their history, and their relevance today through its educational programs and initiatives that include supporting projects that preserve and interpret the history of Chinese and Asians in America about their contributions to the United States.
Fernandez, Rajiv: - Rajiv Fernandez (he/him) is a trained architect and an artist under the moniker Lil' Icon. With a belief that sophisticated design is for all, he has published two books that playfully illustrate the connections between kids and adults. Using his signature bold and iconographic style, his artwork responds to the political and social climate in which we live and has been featured in The Washington Post, Buzzfeed, and billboards throughout New York City. He is proud to be queer, brown, and a child of immigrants.
Perry, Rose: - Rose Perry, Ph.D. (she/her) is a neuroscientist who specializes in child development, and the Founder/Executive Director of the applied research nonprofit organization, Social Creatures. Born with a rare form of dwarfism, Rose has learned first hand how representation and exposure to role models can empower children from historically excluded groups and inspire allyship in others.