Vincent Chin - Lily Chin: The Courage to Speak Out

Helen Zia

Lily Chin, a Chinese American, was the mother of Vincent Chin, who was killed in a hate motivated crime in 1982 while he was celebrating his upcoming wedding near Detroit, MI. Lily Chin and her supporters advocated for a federal hate crimes prosecution when the state trial and conviction sentenced two white autoworkers to probation and $3,000 fine for the killing of Vincent. Vincent's case marks the first time the federal government ever pursued a civil rights claim on behalf of an Asian American person. Unfortunately the federal conviction was overturned on appeal and the killers were freed after an unsuccessful second trial.

Photo:  One of many rallies across the U.S. calling for Justice for Vincent Chin. © Estate of Vincent Chin.