On Sunday, Oct. 24, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti made history when he issued a public apology for the crimes perpetrated against Chinese immigrants 150 years ago.

"I’m sorry for this city. I’m sorry for those who were official representatives of this city and the violence that they begat. I’m sorry for the unchecked violence that happened and took the lives of 19 of our fellow Angelenos," the mayor said.

“Thank you, Mayor. It meant a lot today for you to say those words,” stated Dr. Gay Yuen, Board Chair, Friends of the Chinese American Museum (FCAM).

California Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo echoed Garcetti's sentiments during the commemoration as she announced a $2 million donation to the Chinese American Museum from the current state budget. Funds will be applied toward building the Unity Garden in CAM's forecourt.

CAM Executive Director Michael Truong, who helped organize a series of eight programs in conjunction with the commemoration, noted: "From history we know that dangerous language will lead to violence . . . and yet anti-Chinese rhetoric often used today is so prevalent that it gives license to be violent against our community." 

U.S. Representative Judy Chu led the contingent of speakers that included City Councilmember Kevin de Leon, Assemblymember Ed Chau, El Pueblo Commissioner David Louie, and FCAM 1st vice chair Paula Madison.
 
Both the State Legislature and L.A. City Council passed resolutions in commemoration of the Oct. 24 tragedy.