Grounded Theory of Asian Americans for #BlackLivesMatter

A grounded theory with diverse Asian American activists (N = 25) was employed to identify the conditions contributing to the core phenomenon of Asian Americans mobilizing towards thick solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in 2020. The findings indicate achieving a collective oppressed identity was necessary to mobilize in thick solidarity with the BLM movement and occurred due to causal conditions: a) Experiences of COVID-19 related anti-Asian discrimination, and (b) George Floyd’s murder. Non-action, performative or unhelpful action, and acting toward thick solidarity were influenced by contextual factors: a) Alignment with personal and community values, b) awareness and knowledge, and c) perspectives of oppression. Mobilization was also influenced by intervening factors, which included affective responses, intergenerational conflict, conditioning of “privileges” afforded by White supremacy, and the presence of organized communities. Implications from the findings and opportunities for future areas of study are additionally outlined.