(SAN FRANCISCO, CA – May 01, 2020) The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF) announced today the opening of its virtual gallery and first online exhibition Voices of Resilience. The exhibit is curated by AIISF Operations Manager Russell Nauman and AIISF Executive Director Edward Tepporn.

Voices of Resilience celebrates the 50th anniversary of the re-discovery of over 200 Chinese poems carved into the walls of the detention barracks at the U.S. Immigration Station at Angel Island. This triggered a set of efforts to preserve the building, ultimately resulting in the designation of the site as a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1997.

The exhibition features a total of 55 poems including 22 historical poems and 33 contemporary poems selected from online submissions from the general public. The contemporary poems include contributions from former Angel Island detainees, their descendants, fourth grade students at Dianne Feinstein Elementary School, and an anthology by the Sato/Bukowski/ Haechler Family.

“At a time when there are significantly increased reports of anti-Asian harassment and assaults related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt important to AIISF’s Board and Staff to continue to ensure that the histories and stories related to the immigrant detention at Angel Island are not forgotten. Our hope is that Voices of Resilience serves as a reminder of the empathy, connection, and resiliency that is important especially in times like this.” stated AIISF Executive Director Edward Tepporn.

Exhibition: Voices of Resilience
Venue: www.aiisf.org/voicesofresilience
Dates: May 1 through June 30, 2020

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Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF) raises awareness of the experience of Immigration into America through the Pacific. AIISF collects and preserves the rich stories and personal journeys of thousands of immigrants, and shares them with visitors and everyone living in America through education initiatives and public programs. Angel Island Immigration Station reminds us of the complicated history of immigration in America. It serves as a symbol of our willingness to learn from our past to ensure that our nation keeps its promise of liberty and freedom.

Media inquiries can be made to the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation’s main office at (415) 658-7691 or info@aiisf.org.