Elaine H. Kim facts for kids

Elaine H. Kim is an American writer, editor, and a retired professor. She taught about Asian American Studies and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She stopped teaching in 2015. Her studies focused on Asian American culture, art, and literature. She also researched Asian diaspora studies and Asian American feminism.

Elaine Kim's Education Journey

Elaine Kim studied at several top universities. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), from the University of Pennsylvania. This degree was in English and American Literature.

Next, she received her Master of Arts (M.A.) from Columbia University. Here, she focused on English and Comparative Literature. Later, she earned her highest degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). This was from the University of California, Berkeley. Her Ph.D. was in Social Foundations of Education.

Honorary Degrees

Elaine Kim also received special honorary degrees. In 1995, she got an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. This was from the University of Massachusetts Boston. In 2004, she received another honorary degree. It was an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Notre Dame. These degrees honored her important work and contributions.

Her Career at UC Berkeley

Elaine Kim was a very important person at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1969, she helped start the Asian American Studies Program. This program is part of Ethnic Studies. By 1974, she became a full-time professor there.

Besides teaching, she held many leadership roles. She helped the Chancellor with issues for women. She also served as an Associate Dean for graduate students. Plus, she was an Assistant Dean in the UC Berkeley College of Letters and Science.

Research and Commentary

Elaine Kim is known as a pioneer in Asian American Studies. Her research explored Asian American literature, culture, and feminism. She often shared her thoughts on current events. These included topics like affirmative action and anti-Asian violence. She also spoke about anti-immigrant ideas.

She also studied the 1992 Los Angeles riots. She looked at how these events affected the Korean American community. She explored a Korean cultural idea called han.

Elaine Kim has given many talks around the world. She lectured at universities in the US. She also presented in China, Japan, Korea, and Europe.

Important Books and Publications

Elaine Kim has written and edited many important books. These books share her research and ideas. Some of her selected works include:

• Asian American Literature: An Introduction to the Writings and Their Social Context, 1982
• East to America: Korean American Life Stories (co-edited), 1996
• Dangerous Women: Gender and Korean Nationalism, 1997
• Fresh Talk/Daring Gazes: Issues in Asian American Visual Art, 2003
• Echoes Upon Echoes: New Korean American Writing, 2003

Working for the Community

Elaine Kim has spent many years helping communities. She helped start several Asian American groups. These groups are in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 1977, she helped create the Korean Community Center. This center is now called the Korean Community Center of the East Bay. It helps people with immigration questions. It also provides social services for older adults.

Supporting Asian American Women

In 1976, Kim co-founded Asian Women United of California (AWU). Through AWU, she created documentaries. These films focused on Asian American women's lives. Examples include Labor Women (2002) and Slaying the Dragon: Reloaded (2011).

She also co-produced a documentary called Sa-I-Gu: From Korean Women's Perspectives (1993). This film shared stories from Korean American women. It showed how the 1992 Los Angeles riots affected them.

In 1985, Kim helped get funding for Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA). This group is in Oakland. It helps immigrant women who work in garment factories and hotels.

Awards and Recognition

Elaine Kim has received many awards for her work. These awards recognize her contributions to academics and the community.

• Asian Pacific American Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award (City and County of San Francisco), 2012
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Association for Asian American Studies, 2011
• Association for Asian American Studies Book Award in Cultural Studies, 2005
• Hall of Outstanding Women at California, 1995
• Fulbright Fellowship, 1987-1988