This online exhibit includes manuscripts produced during the Spanish colonial period that document the religious, legal, and commercial interests of the Spanish Empire in the Philippines. The personal papers and published works of UC Berkeley professors Bernard Moses (1846-1931) and David Barrows (1873-1954) document their early involvement with American colonialism in the Philippines, especially their work in redesigning the Filipino education system. Documentation of these professors’ white supremacist views is contrasted with the work of Filipinx and Asian American scholars who use their words to critique colonialism and its racist underpinnings. Four publications created by Filipinx American students at Berkeley, starting with the early 1900’s and continuing til the present day, are also featured. Finally, selections from the personal papers of acclaimed author and performance artist Jessica Hagedorn are also on display, including examples of her novels, plays, poetry, music lyrics, a screenplay, childhood drawings, and writings.
Image credit: Maganda: The Pilipino Student Magazine, Spring 1990. Illustration by Carl Angel.