An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Veronica Mak
Project Description
Despite a rich history dating back to the 18th century, Asian Americans seem to vanish from national narratives. Civil rights heroes like Yuri Kochiyama (1) and Larry Itliong (2) personify how our contributions remain largely ignored. This invisibility is worsened by stereotypes like the "model minority" and "perpetual foreigner" myths – which erase our struggles and suggest we will never truly belong. Further, the pervasive exoticism and fetishization of Asian women fuels violence and normalizes discrimination against our community.
These stereotypes weaken our collective voice and make fighting for equality an uphill battle. However, by sharing our rich history and diverse stories, we can challenge these stereotypes and ensure our experiences are recognized in the fight for an inclusive America.
My oral history project highlights a current changemaker in this space – Stephanie Drenka, co-founder of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society. Together, we explore her journey of being adopted from South Korea into a “very white” family to becoming a prominent activist combating anti-Asian hate. Drenka shares of her experiences with racism, and the challenges and successes of her work as an “accidental” historian – including overcoming imposter syndrome and tackling narrative change through community engagement. This interview also touches on the importance of storytelling in preserving one’s heritage, and Drenka's personal connection to historical figures and events that have shaped her activism and advocacy work today.
1. Yuri Kochiyama (1921-2014) was a Japanese American activist who defied exclusion. Witnessing her family's internment during World War II sparked a lifelong fight for justice. She became a powerful voice for civil rights, standing alongside figures like Malcolm X and advocating for equality for all.
2. Larry Itliong (1913-1977), a Filipino American labor organizer, was a champion for farmworker rights. He co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez and led the historic Delano grape strike, demanding better wages and working conditions.
Oral History Interview with Stephanie Drenka - 05/24/2024
Presentation Slides
Presentation Recording