The Chinese American community in Los Angeles celebrates “AA and NHPI Heritage Month” 2024

by admin · Published May 5, 2024 · Updated May 6, 2024

LAPost Los Angeles (May 5, 2024) — To kick off Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Chinese American Federation and the CAF Foundation joined forces with the member associations of the CAF Foundation, mainstream community organizations, numerous Chinese community associations in Southern California, and nonprofit organizations to host the event “Reflecting on History, Looking to the Future: Celebrating 45 Years of U.S.-China Relations and Asian American Heritage Month.” The event took place in the afternoon of May 5 at the San Gabriel Valley Country Club, which is located in an area with a significant Chinese population. Attendees included Guo Shaochun, the Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, and his wife, Congresswoman Judy Chu, renowned U.S. immigration expert and member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Professor Min Zhou, among others, who delivered keynote speeches.

Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, Ambassador Guo Shaochun. (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

In his speech, Guo Shaochun, the Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, recalled, “More than 150 years ago, tens of thousands of Chinese workers came across the ocean to America and devoted themselves to the construction of the Pacific Railway across the east and west. They contributed to the development of Western United States, created an engineering miracle at the time, and became a monument of enterprising spirit and dedication for overseas Chinese. “

“Today, overseas Chinese have spread across all walks of life in American society, upheld the traditional virtues of the Chinese people, worked hard to start businesses. While realizing their life dreams, they have made significant contributions to the economic and social development and prosperity of the United States, become an indispensable part of American multi-ethnic society. According to U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 3 million companies were founded by Asian Americans which are including Chinese Americans in 2019, hiring nearly 5 million people and generated total sales of nearly US$1 trillion. Chinese Americans, together with other ethnic groups, have jointly created the diverse U.S. society. Their contributions deserve recognition and respect.” Guo said.

Regarding the 45th anniversary of U.S.-China diplomatic relations, Consul General Guo noted, “The stories of China-U.S. relations are written by the people, and its future will be created by the people. Forty-five years ago, differences and disagreements did not prevent the establishment and development of U.S.-China relations. Forty-five years later, such differences should not become obstacles to U.S.-China exchange and cooperation. Cooperation for mutual benefit is the goal, and together, the U.S. and China can achieve great things that benefit both countries and the world.”

Congresswoman Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Congresswoman Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, opened her speech with a greeting in Chinese, “Hello, distinguished friends” In her speech, she encouraged Chinese Americans to actively participate in various celebration events. She mentioned, “Tomorrow (Monday), I will be returning to Washington, D.C., to begin a full schedule of celebrations throughout the month of May.”

Professor Min Zhou. (Photo by: Sam Guo)

Min Zhou, a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Asian American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Wang Wenxiang and Wei Family Endowed Chair in U.S.-China Relations and Communications, was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled “Reflecting on Changing U.S.-China Relations and the Chinese American Community.” After presenting the characteristics of the contemporary Chinese American population, she noted, “The broad definition of ‘Chinatown’ has extended beyond the geographical boundaries of an ‘ethnic enclave’ or ethnic neighborhood. U.S.-China relations have a direct and indirect impact on the economic lives of Chinese Americans. Negative effects include the establishment of new structural barriers that hinder social integration and upward social mobility for Chinese Americans.”

Michael Xiong, president of the Chinese American Federation. (Photo by: Richard Ren/LAPost)

Michael Xiong, president of the Chinese American Federation, which hosted the day’s celebration, stated in his speech, “Through this event, we aim to help more Americans understand the importance of maintaining good relations between the U.S. and China, as well as the contributions and significance of Asian Pacific Americans, including Chinese Americans, to the development of the United States.”

Jeffrey Reeder, Dean of the College of Humanities at California State University, Northridge (Photo by: Weimin Sun/CSUN)

(Photo provided by: Wei Cao/CSUN)

Li Chunlin, Deputy Consul General at the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Reeder, Dean of the College of Humanities at California State University, Northridge, along with Professors Wei Cao, Zhixin Su, and Weimin Sun, and more than ten other professors, ten local American students sponsored by the CAF Foundation for Chinese language studies, and nearly 200 local Chinese American community members attended the event.

Since 1992, May has been designated as AA and NHPI Heritage Month in the United States. Celebrations are held nationwide to showcase the cultural traditions of Asian Pacific Americans. (By: Richard Ren/LAPost)