Asian Women United (AWU) Records and Oral History Collection

A New York City-based organization, Asian Women United (AWU) was formed in 1978 when the Asian American Women’s Caucus split into two groups. As stated in their Statement of Purpose, AWU worked, “towards a society free from race and sex discrimination through the development of women as community leaders with an understanding of the Asian woman’s issues and concerns.” AWU hosted many events to share and promote the experiences and concerns of Asian American women. These events included a mother-daughter social, an Asian American concert, and various workshops. AWU also participated in International Women’s Day, the Women Working Together conference, Coalition of Asian Women’s Groups, and Asian American Heritage festivals. The group took official stands on issues including abortion, the Immigration and Refugee Policy, and the Silver Palace Restaurant strike. Members included Goldie Chu (1931-2012), Aiyoung Choi, Liz Young, Susan Louie, Joyce Wong, Sokie Lee, Bonnie Wong, and many others.

The Asian Women United Records document Asian American women’s issues and strategies for Asian American women’s empowerment and political mobilization. They include the AWU newsletter, “In Touch,” flyers from events hosted by AWU and in partnership with related organizations, workshop and meeting notes, administrative files, correspondence, photographs, and newspaper clippings.

The Asian Women United Oral History Collection consists of thirteen interviews that document the individual stories and contributions of members. The interviews were conducted in 2008-2009 by I-Ting Emily Chu (2007-09 Graduate Scholar in A/P/A Archives).

To learn more about the contents of the Asian Women United Records and Photographs, located at the NYU Tamiment Library & Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, view the collection’s finding aid.

Image: Asian Women United members tabling at a park, late 1970s-1980s, undated; Asian Women United Records; TAM.320; Box: 2; Folder: 12; Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University.