Museum celebrates 23rd year with biggest campaign
(NewMediaWire) – April 03, 2022 – Burbank, CA – To further advance cultural diversity, promote school visitation, and combat Asian Hate, the Martial Arts History Museum is launching its 2-year “$5 Million Expansion Campaign” this Monday, April 4.
Established in 1999, the museum, which is located in Burbank, is listed as one of the “top ten places to visit”. Designed by artists from Disney and Dreamworks, the museum is an educational facility teaching young people about the positive influence of the Asian-American community and how Asian history has become a significant part of American history.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid outbreak, crimes against the Asian community have escalated to an all-time high. Specific groups have targeted Asian elderly and women. With no consequence for their actions, Asian hate continues to increase without interference.
“We have to do something quickly. We have a new generation growing up in a society where it is acceptable to promote hatred, prejudice, and violence against Asian people,” says Michael Matsuda, president and founder of the Martial Arts History Museum. “This is why the museum’s expansion is essential now more than ever. I feel that the museum serves as the bridge between the East and the West.”
“The museum, however, is not big enough to host large groups of school children at our current size. The Unified School District requires at least 90 children to rent a bus; we can only fit 30 kids in the museum right now. We need to expand to make a difference,” adds Matsuda.
Throughout the museum, visitors experience a look at Chinese, Japanese, Thailand, Korean, Hawaiian, and Filipino history. “The museum also enlightens visitors about Asian music, art, and culture and its connection to the martial arts,” says Matsuda.
The museum is open to moving its facility to either Glendale, Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, or remaining in Burbank. The expansion will also enable the museum to install a theater for screenings, documentaries, lectures, and classes.
“Thankfully, we were able to survive the ordered 2-year shutdown by Governor Newsom. But now, we face a new challenge, and we need to provide our school children with a place that promotes and uplifts other peoples,” says Matsuda, “We need to stop Asian Hate now.”
The Martial Arts History Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations for the museum expansion project are tax-deductible and can be done online at MAmuseum.com.
Link: http://www.mamuseum.comm
Donations can also be sent to the Martial Arts History Museum at 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506.
“This is an opportunity to make a difference. Won’t you join us as we battle hatred,” concludes Matsuda.
