Modesrah Ahmed
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Melissa Borja
Research Mentor School/College/Department: American Culture / LSA
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 6: 3:40 pm – 4:30 pm
Poster: 49
Abstract
This research explores how history and past experiences shaped the resilience of Asian Americans during the 2020-2021 Covid pandemic. Using recorded oral history interviews with Asian American activists in Michigan, this study investigates how negative exposure to discrimination, whether direct or by proxy, impacted Asian Americans during the pandemic, and how anti-Asian racism shaped how they pursued healing through activism. This study builds on previous research on anti-Asian racism by focusing on activism, resilience and historical trauma. It attempts to connect research on COVID related racism to extensive research on historical trauma. The findings of this research underscore the potential of storytelling to empower marginalized communities and to enrich our understanding of the human capacity to overcome adversity.
