HIGHLIGHTING CHINESE EVENTS
HIGHLIGHTING CHINESE EVENTS
BY Gerrye Wong March 15, 2022
It was a very momentous and exciting day when together with the San Francisco Public Library and the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendants Association, the CHINATOWN HISTORY & CULTURE ASSOCIATION organized an exhibition dedication day to open “Silent Spikes: Following in the Footprints of Chinese Railroad Workers.,” at the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library The official ceremony had an audience-filled Koret Auditorium show up to celebrate this historic exhibition.
The Program opened with two men simulating railroad workers carrying on their shoulders a heavy railroad track. When it reached the stage, symbolizing the laborious job of railroad workers, a man raised his hammer to supposedly pound in the last spike.
This action, besides large photographs of railroad workers carried additionally on stage, set the tone for the dedication of this new exhibit which will be shown until May 22, 2022 for viewing. Curator Nancy Yu Law explained to the hundreds in attendance, the purpose of the exhibit is to honor the Chinese Railroad Workers who built the western portion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Their story will be told through historical images and contemporary photos from a variety of resources. Some came from a collection by Beijing-based freelance photographer Li Ju, that chronicle the route from Sacramento to Promontory Summit. The images underscore the tremendous achievement of the large anonymous 12,000-20,000 Chinese construction workers.”
Following welcoming speeches by local government officials, such as SF District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, together with San Francisco Library officials, Acting Consul General Pan Qinjiang of the People’s Republic of China, Founder of the Chinese Railroad Workers Memorial Monument Project Steven Lee, and President of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Kwok Yin Leung, a ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by the many individuals who were instrumental in getting this exhibit displayed.
A very moving documentary film titled, “Crossing Donner Summit” by Min Zhou was shown, further informing audience members of the trials and tribulations these Railroad workers had to endure to complete the job of connecting the United States via a railroad.
caption: Steven Lee, right, shows replica of a monument Lee’s group plans to set up in a location where many Chinese families and workers were assigned.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Co-Founder of Chinatown History & Culture Association George Chin. Panelists included Historians Connie Young Yu and David Lei, Professors Anna Ng and Barbara L. Voss, and Director Min Zhou.
caption: Officers and Speakers together cut the ribbonto to signify the upuplifting opening the new exhibit
Past president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Larry Yee said it best, explaining, “In the 1860s, our ancestors organized a strike to fight against injustice towards Asians. We must learn from our ancestors who fought for their rights. Now it is our time to fight. If they could do it 160 years ago, we can do it today. We must be role models for those who will follow in our footsteps. This is not just a fight for us today. This is a fight for the next generation. United we stand”.
caption: Leaders with California State Proclamations from Fiona Ma
CHCP MEMBERSHIP DINNER COMES ALIVE
CHINESE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PROJECT celebrated its first in-person event with a delayed Annual Membership Meeting at the China Stix Restaurant in Santa Clara. Over 120 of its members were happy to reunite with fellow supporters as Vice President Edith Gong joyously welcomed all. President Dave Yick surprised everyone when coming up for his presidential address wearing a Tigers Head, symbolizing a Year of the Tiger welcome himself.
CAPTION: CHCP President Dave Yick welcomes newscaster Jesse Gary with Gerrye Wong
A wonderful slide of a Channel 2 program by Jesse Gary was shown of the CHCP’s first appearance in the San Francisco Chinese New Year parade, followed by his visit to the group’s CHINESE AMERICAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM and interview with Brenda Wong and Nathan Louie.
caption: Chuck Leong serenades group with his ukelele accompaniment to an audience sing along.
The audience came alive when a contingent from Walnut Creek’s Rossmoor Senior Living Center provided ukulele accompaniment while everyone raised their voices in an exuberant singalong. Chuck and Deanna Leong, accompanied by harmonica playing Gene Lim, led the favorite song of “This is Your Land” which everyone felt a kinship together while singing in hopes of better times ahead for the world, it seemed. Myrna Wong performed a graceful hula dance to set up a wonderful relaxing mood as dinner was served.
caption: Myrna Wong dances a graceful Hula.
After dinner, the audience was treated to a very informative presentation by Professor Barbara Voss, Director of Stanford Archaeology Center who, along with PhD candidate students Veronica Peterson and Joselyn Lee presented a slide show of their findings at locations where Chinese pioneers had once settled. To this CHINESE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PROJECT members group, this was particularly interesting as they all share an interest in preserving and promoting Chinese American history, whether it be in our local Santa Clara Valley area or elsewhere.
caption: Professor Barbara Voss speaks alongside Doctoral PHD candidates on archaeology finds of Chinese artifacts.
My exciting part of the program was announcing the upcoming 35th Anniversary celebration of the CHCP’s founding back in 1987. Holding up a giant poster of the group’s museum, I felt such pride in reminding them that this solely volunteer group raised over a half million dollars in 4 years to open its CHINESE AMERICAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM in 1991 – and it too celebrates 30 years from the opening day when the CHCP gifted the museum and its collection to the City of San Jose as the first show of community spirit by the Chinese community to the city.
caption: Gerrye Wong Introducing 35th Anniversary Honorees Michael Chan and Patrick Kwok.
In telling about the upcoming celebration program, I introduced the Anniversary’s 2022 Honorees, who were present that evening – MICHAEL CHAN AND PATRICK KWOK. Six individuals and organizations will be recognized at the SEPTEMBER 17 GALA DINNER for their contributions to the community and personal achievements.
caption: CHCP Board members and guests congregate as fellow history buffs.
When Sponsorship Chairpersons George and Lee Liu Chan joined me on stage to announce the kick off of a SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN where the audience would be the first members to be offered the privilege to be the event’s premium sponsors, I surprised them with the news that the Anniversary event’s Honorees wanted to be their first Sponsors in support of this 2022 CHCP fundraising drive. The audience gave sweeping applause when I announced that Honorees Chenming and Margaret Hu, Buck Gee, Arthur and Daniel Jue, Patrick Kwok and Michael Chan had pledged collectively to kick off the Sponsorship campaign with a combined donation of $25,000.
Caption: Honoree Michael and wife Macy Chan seen alongside poster of Chinese American Historical Museum
George Chin followed that good news with another special announcement that night that the 35th Anniversary Gala co-chairpersons Debbie Gong-Guy, Anita Kwock, Allan Low, Gerrye Wong, Arthur Low, George and Lee Liu Chin present that night also wanted to kick off the fundraising campaign by collectively donating $22,500 which will enable the CHCP to continue its programs to educate the community on the important role the Chinese have and continue to make towards America’s history.
caption: Ingrid Lai tells humorous stories and folklore about the Lunar New Year.
The crowd was exuberant in their enthusiasm and further pledges were given by audience members Jeff and Susan Lee, Dr. David and Elaine Shen, Gene and Mary K Lim, Gary and Kelly Matsuura and Aaron and Maelene Wong. A very excited and gratified Sponsorship chairs, the George Chins and myself, expressed utmost appreciation for the audience’s response to this SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN KICK OFF. Many others expressed interest in joining the crusade so it was a great start to the CHCP’s first in 5 years campaign to raise funds for its continuing community work. Sponsorship levels range from $600-$10,000 and this campaign will run for two months, whereby all Sponsors names will be listed on the formal invitations that will go to the public in June. So if any of you want to “make my day” and send me your pledge or payment to be one of the CHCP 35th anniversary sponsors, my ears, phone and computer are always welcome to hear from you.
caption: Working together at CHCP event were Debbie Gong Guy and Ginger Lai
Awarding of door prizes, donated by the CHCP Board of Directors, was a happy ending for over 20 lucky winners as MC Edith Gong wished all of the members in attendance happy Lunar New Year, and expressed hope they will continue to support CHCP activities in the year, and especially the 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER to be held September 17, 2022 at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel .
caption: CHCP Board of Directors happily meet and greet guests. l to r. Pinki Fung, Peter Young Liz Chew and Gerrye Wong
A very enthusiastic, well-fed, and happy group milled around, grateful for this opportunity finally to meet with each other, maskless and in-person after a dismal two years of pandemic life. For more information check out CHCP website: www.chcp.org.
caption Nathan Louie shows a sample of his Collection of Chinese elegant vintage robes.
