The effects of COVID-19 have dramatically shifted the ways in which we live our everyday lives. According to the New York Times, the coronavirus has infected “more than 186 million people worldwide [and] more than 4 million people have died so far.” The learning lab, The Tale of Two Pandemics, COVID-19 and Racism, will unravel not only the impact of COVID-19 within AAPI communities, but also the simultaneous systemic pandemic of racism on the Black and Brown community. Understanding the effects of the virus and pandemic on the Asian-American community is important as it acknowledges the collective hardships, narratives, and voices of individuals during this time period in history. The goal of this lab is to inform and educate others on the importance of historical events during today’s time and to showcase the strength and resilience of our marginalized communities in the United States. Furthermore, this lab highlights artwork created by different communities within Seattle's Chinatown-International District and the ways in which they symbolize and express identity and community healing. Pieces of artwork include murals titled "Chopsticks In A Bundle," "Higo," and "We Stand With Black Lives Matter." 

This Learning Lab collection was created by Emelynn Arroyave, David Salinas, and SovannKagna Hou in the summer 2021 Smithsonian Affiliate Digital Learning and Engagement Internship, in partnership with Emerson Collective and Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, a Smithsonian Affiliate. #SAintern #SAinterns #RaceAndSocialJustice #CommunityHealth #Immigration #ChangingAmericanNarrative