Because of the long history of violence and legal discrimination against Asian Americans, there is also a long history of political and labor activism in Asian American communities. In this lesson, students will explore the role of music in social justice movements (specifically the Asian American movement in the 1970s). After learning more about the history of Asian American activism, they will delve into taiko—a drum-based music tradition that emphasizes power and challenges racial and gender stereotypes. The final component of this lesson is project-based. In small groups, students will research the ways in which several contemporary Asian American arts organizations fulfill their social justice missions.

Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives

1. Legacy of the Asian American Movement

   • Identify historical examples of Asian American activism.
   • Explain what the Asian American movement was and how it is still relevant today.
   • Explain how musicians have helped to shape an Asian American identity.
   • 30+ minutes

2. Taiko and the Asian American Movement

   • Identify the defining characteristics of taiko music and describe similarities and differences between performances.
   • Explain how the emergence of taiko in the United States relates to the Asian American movement.
   • 30+ minutes

3. Researching Asian American Arts

   • Describe the role of the arts in sustaining social justice movements.
   • Describe the achievements and challenges of several community-based Asian American arts organizations.
   • 15+ minutes