A Place to Call Home: Understanding Asian Americans in Illinois Through Narratives with Dr. Ada Cheng

Dr. Cheng shares her personal narratives to delineate her migration journey from Taiwan to the United States as well as to Illinois. These stories will highlight issues related to the myth of the model minority, the image of the perpetual foreigner, and the impact of stereotypes and discriminatory practices toward Asians/Asian Americans. The stories will explore the diverse experiences among Asians in diaspora and problematize the myth of a monolithic community.

Along with intimate storytelling, Ada will present, from a historical perspective, the various laws and regulations that have contributed to the construction of Asian Americans as the “other” in this country historically. In addition, she will compare and contrast the migration experiences of different Asian immigrant communities in Illinois.

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.