'A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle of Asians in America,' a 1973 album preserved at the Smithsonian Institution, was one of the first musical works to articulate Asian American identity. Curated by Sojin Kim, the album blends folk, jazz, and blues, reflecting the personal stories of its creators—Nobuko Miyamoto, Chris Iijima, and William 'Charlie' Chin. These artists, in their 20s and 30s, aimed to counter the limited perceptions of Asian Americans as foreigners or model minorities during a politically charged era marked by anti-war and civil rights movements. Kim emphasizes that the music communicates a richer narrative, showcasing the contributions of Asian Americans to the United States, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure. The album's legacy lies in its role in broadening the understanding of American protest music and affirming the deep historical roots of Asian Americans in the country. As Kim notes, it connects the present to a long history, asserting that Asian Americans are integral to the American story.