Bulletin CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA | SUMMER 2008 | VOL. 44, NO. 2 Civil Rights Suite Exploring the History of the Chinese American Fight for Equality

lation evolves. With the presenta- tion of the Civil Rights Suite, CHSA is at the forefront of this social movement. “The Civil Rights Suite links the fight for equality to every immigrant group in America,” Sue Lee, CHSA Executive Director, said. “Many years ago, Chinese immigrants were commonly referrred to as ‘- men’ because they were seen as nameless and faceless, without a past nor family. But we have had an extraordinarily rich history, a strong current presence, and are creating n celebration of Asian Pacific people of Chinese descent intensi- an even more promising future.” Heritage Month, the Chinese fied, defining the fight for basic hu- IHistorical Society of America pre- man rights and the very existence of The Chinese of : A sented the Civil Rights Suite, a trio . Struggle for Community of exhibits comprised of The Chinese The Civil Rights Suite is a This groundbreaking exhibit, of California, Remembering 1882, and summation of many issues stirring through a unique collection of To Enjoy and Defend Our American within the current social conscience. artifacts, images, documents, and Citizenship. This triumvirate is a first From 1882 to now, immigration, personal stories, explores the com- voice institution representing the civil liberties, and democracy have plex history and unique challenges Chinese American fight for equality. been highly contended matters— of Chinese Americans in their fight To kick-off this presentation, a and will prove to be more relevant for civil rights. reception was held at CHSA on May in the future as the American popu- Continued on page 4 12, 2008 for 150 attendees. Notables that evening included Historian ; Laureen Wu McClain, Chinese Historical Society of America’s daughter of CHSA founder Thomas Annual Gala: Glamour & Grace 2008 Wu; and 2008 Annie Soo Spirit Award Honoree Dorothy Leong, who was ou are invited to an extravagant social and cultural event: lauded for her many years of volun- YCHSA’s dinner fundraiser to be held Saturday, September 20, teerism. Artist-in-Residence Charlie 2008, 6 pm at the Four Seasons Hotel in . Chin also gave a rousing perfor- Celebrating CHSA’s pivotal role as a touchstone for Chinese mance of Chinese American songs. America, the Gala will feature original performances, dynamic In 1882, Congress passed the presentations, and colorful displays. Special guests include: Mistress nation’s first immigration law—the of Ceremonies Cynthia Gouw, Composer/Pianist Jon Jang, and . As legislation Saxophonist Francis Wong. removed the constitutional guar- 6 pm Reception, 7 pm Dinner, Black-tie Optional. For more antee of equal protection, discrimi- information, call (415) 665-1150 x1 or email [email protected]. nation and violent attacks against CHINESE HISTORICAL Upcoming Events SOCIETY OF AMERICA Three Major Events Co-sponsored by CHSA BOARD OFFICERS Paul Fong, President The following presentations by the University of San Francisco, Center Connie Young Yu, 1st Vice President for Pacific Rim will take place at the USF Main Campus, Fromm Hall, Doug Chan, Esq., 2nd Vice President 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco. Please RSVP at (415) 422-6828. Linda Cheu, Treasurer Ming Masterpieces Virginia Gee, Secretary l Thursday, August 28, 5:45 pm BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eight years in the making, the Ming dynasty Donald Chan exhibit currently at the Asian Art Museum shows Cedric Cheng Chinese treasures seldom seen in the West. A Linda A. Cheu presentation and power-point lecture by Michael Willard Chin Knight, Senior Curator of Chinese Art, will fea- Barre Fong ture these objects and other items. Calvin Fong Robert Fung Fabulous Frida Russell Leong l Tuesday, September 2, 5:45 pm Alexander Lock Frida Kahlo is a unique treasure among Mexi- Galin Luk can painters, as evidenced in a new exhibit at Dr. Rodney Lum the SF Museum of Modern Art. John Zarobell, William G. Roop Coordinating Curator for the Kahlo exhibit, will explore her art in a power-point lecture. Alisa Yee Jeffery P. Woo, Esq., Legal Counsel CHSA is proud to co-sponsor both Ming Master- pieces and Fabulous Frida with the World Affairs BOARD EMERITI Council of Northern California, Asia Society of Him Mark Lai Northern California, and Fromm Institute for Philip P. Choy Lifelong Learning.

OFFICERS The Bonesetter’s Daughter Opera Thomas W. Chinn C.H. Kwock l Wednesday, September 24, 5:45 pm Chingwah Lee The world premiere of this opera is based on Amy Tan's best-selling novel. Excerpts will be H.K. Wong presented by Composer Stewart Wallace and Thomas W.S. Wu, D.D.S. Clifford Cranna, Director of Music Adminis-

STAFF tration at the San Francisco Opera. Sue Lee, Executive Director Cranna will show a 10 minute documentary Judy Hu, Communications Manager while Wallace will discuss his music before Liana Koehler, Administrative introducing a special performance. Assistant CHSA is proud to co-sponsor The Boneset- Anna Naruta, PhD, Director of ter’s Daughter Opera with the Performing Arts Archives Department of USF, the Asia Society North- Candace Tom, Operations ern California, the World Affairs Council of Northern California, the San Pam Wong, Programs Coordinator Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum, and the Fromm Institute for Charlie Chin, Artist-in-Residence Lifelong Learning. r

Summer 2008 n Page 2 Canton Footprints: Sacramento’s Chinese Legacy by Philip Choy

hinese Americans have long To illuminate the history, Canton contributed to Sacramento’s Footprints: Sacramento’s Chinese Cdiversity and been an integral part Legacy includes 178 historical photo- of Sacramento’s rich history. graphs. Said Jeanie Lee, CACS Presi- CHSA Board Emeriti and histo- dent, “The photographs from the rian Philip Choy brings more than Anna Wong Lee Collection and 19th 150 years of Chinese American his- century lithographs and engravings tory in Sacramento in Canton Foot- from Philip Choy’s private collection prints: Sacramento’s Chinese Legacy. give a visual impact to the important Through more than 40 oral histories, part the Chinese American community Choy shows the role and influence has played in Sacramento’s history.” that the Chinese American commu- “Seeing how the Chinese nity has had in shaping the Delta area. American history in Sacramento The Chinese American Council has ranged from the Transcontinen- of Sacramento (CACS) is publish- tal Railroad, to agriculture, to the ing Canton Footprints: Sacramento’s medical profession, to politics is a cisco State University (SFSU). Choy, Chinese Legacy. “This book is true to compelling and impressive story,” along with Lai, received the 2005 the mission of CACS,” said CACS said Choy. SFSU President’s Medal for their Past President Joyce Eng. “We are pioneering work in Chinese Ameri- confident that readers will come About the Author can history and education. away with an appreciation of how Philip P. Choy is a renowned his- the Chinese American community torian and authority on Chinese About Chinese American overcame distance, economic chal- America. He is co-editor of A History Council of Sacramento lenges, and legal barriers to establish of the Chinese in California and The The Chinese American Coun- a meaningful presence in Sacramento.” Coming Man: 19th Century Percep- cil of Sacramento is a non-profit CACS Historical Chair Doug Yee tions of the Chinese. He has served on organization established to serve said, “Canton Footprints preserves the the California State Historical Re- the needs of Sacramento’s Chinese contribution of the Chinese to Sac- sources Commission and the China American Community and is com- ramento’s history like no other pre- Cover Historical Advisory Commit- mitted to building a stronger Chi- vious work. It was a book conceived tee. In 1969, Choy and Him Mark nese American presence through out of love for the Chinese American Lai taught the nation’s first Chinese leadership in advocacy, civic, and community and Sacramento.” American history class at San Fran- cultural activities. r Immigration at the Golden Gate: Passenger Ships, Exclusion, and Angel Island by Robert Barde ngel Island is both an important piece of American history and a metaphor for the immigration process on the West Coast. AWith Immigration at the Golden Gate: Passenger Ships, Exclusion, and Angel Island illuminating the many facets of the Chinese immigration experience in California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Robert Barde follows the various threads of one Chinese female immigrant’s 20-month detention on Angel Island. Her experience was extraordinary—not only in being the longest known detention at the Immigration Station, but in its connection to so many important events and char- acters. Her tale is chillingly relevant to today’s debates over exclusion and detention.

About the Author Robert Barde is Deputy Director of the Institute of Business and Economic Research at University of California, Berkeley. He is also co-author, with Susan Carter and Richard Sutch, of the “International Migration” chapter for the Millennial Edition of Historical Statistics of the . r

Summer 2008 n Page 3 Civil Rights Suite

continued from page 1

(left) CHSA Board President Paul Fong presented the Annie Soo Spirit Award to Dorothy Leong; (above left) Laurene Wu McClain, daughter of CHSA co-founder Thomas Wu, spoke during the program about the enduring legacy of CHSA's annual journal; (above right) Vin Pan, Sue Lee, and Eddie Wong (respective Executive Directors of Chinese for Affirmative Active, CHSA, and Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation) discuss amongst themselves. Photos by Leland Wong. Remembering 1882: Fighting for after exclusion, bigotry still existed. Civil Rights in the Shadow of the Even after defending the country on Chinese Exclusion Act war battlegrounds, Chinese Ameri- Remembering 1882 explores the cans were not allowed to buy or live historical debate around the Exclu- in properties outside the four square sion Act from its origins through blocks of . We could die its full repeal in 1968, as well as in the same foxhole, but we couldn’t the civil rights struggle of Chinese live in the same neighborhood.” Americans and their allies, and the historic importance of habeas corpus To Enjoy and Defend Our A first-ever collaboration of The in the Chinese American community. American Citizenship Bancroft Library of the University To recognize the passage of this In To Enjoy and Defend Our of California at Berkeley, Califor- law, CHSA’s Remembering 1882 is an American Citizenship, CHSA explores nia Historical Society, and Chinese exhibit that: CELEBRATES the long- the experiences of C.A.C.A. in its Historical Society of America, The term positive impact of Chinese im- groundbreaking work alongside Chinese of California challenges migration on California’s economic, groups such as the NAACP to chal- preconceptions about the Chinese social, and cultural status; HONORS lenge discriminatory laws while cre- immigrant experience by telling the the vigilance of those who fought ating the support systems necessary story through the voices of Chinese tirelessly against Exclusion while for survival in a segregated United Californians themselves as they join upholding democracy for Chinese States. In recent years, C.A.C.A. has countless other immigrants in defin- and other disenfranchised commu- carried on its civil rights legacy with ing what it means to be a Califor- nities; and EXAMINES the complex its opposition to anti-immigration nian and an American. issues and conflicting interests sur- policies, racial discrimination, and “Partnering with The Bancroft rounding Exclusion. hate crimes. Library and California Historical “Under a mantle of insecu- “We have yet to learn the les- Society is a milestone,” Lee said. rity, the United States government sons from history. Pandering to “A collaboration between all our categorized Chinese as second class xenophobia in the 19th century is institutions recognizes this relevant citizens. Then, in a strange twist, af- repeated in the 21st century. Only topic. Beyond the discrimination, ter a hundred years of humiliation, the targeted group is different,” this exhibit is a humanizing story the popular conception of Chinese Choy said. r about people who are struggling to became that we were good, well- survive and succeed—concepts that behaved citizens,” Phil Choy, CHSA Please visit the recently launched every immigrant arriving in America Board Emeritus and civil rights site http://CivilRightsSuite.org for strives for.” activist, said. “But for a long time more information.

Summer 2008 n Page 4 Remembering 1882’s Everlasting Impact in 2008 and Beyond

(left) CSUEB President Mo Qayoumi and Student Sye-Ok Sato, stand in front of the Legacy Wall; (above) Professor Colleen Fong presides over books on Chinese American history at the Student Symposium on May 22, 2008. Photos courtesy of Colleen Fong.

California State Capitol Area. With his wife and two kinds of Ethnic Studies, in conjunction The astounding success of in tow (including the young Mike with the Department of History, CHSA’s Remembering 1882 travel- Eng), the elder Eng knocked on the the evening featured the presenta- ing exhibit continues as the exhibit door of a gorgeous house for rent. tion of five student projects against was presented in Sacramento at the As the mistress of the house came the backdrop of the Remembering California State Capitol during an af- to the entryway, she had in her 1882 exhibit banners. Ranging from ternoon reception on May 21, 2008. hands a trash can, the contents of spoken word to historical research In attendance at the standing- which she proceeded to dump on to an analysis of Anna May Wong’s room only event were State Sena- him while screaming, “Go back to silent film, “The Toll of the Sea,” a tor , Chair of the Senate China, Chinaman!” Eng emphasized couple of students also drew paral- Select Committee on Asian Pacific through this personal anecdote the lels between 1882 and the current Islanders Affairs; Assemblymember importance of him and other Asian immigration situation in the U.S. Ted Lieu, Chair of the California Americans to serve in civic affairs so David Woo of the Department API Caucus; Assemblymember Mike that laws such as the Exclusion Act of Geography and Environmental Eng; Assemblymember Warren will not be repeated. Studies presented posters on con- Furutani; and many Asian Pacific This very impactful evening was temporary Asian immigration. A Islander American Public Affairs As- made possible through the support “wall” was also featured that indi- sociation (APAPA) members, as well of APAPA and the C.C. Yin/McDon- viduals could add their immigration as community leaders and media. ald’s Foundation. Special thanks also stories or thoughts to; for additional Senator Yee, Assemblymember goes to Steve Yee for his assistance. outreach, this wall was available Eng, and APAPA founder C.C. Ying outside of the univsersity union in gave particularly moving speeches California State University, the days leading up to the event. about how the exclusion act im- East Bay Remembering 1882 will be featured pacted their experiences growing At Cal State University East Bay, at CSUEB Library Entrance in the up. The audience listened in rapture The Student Symposium, the first fall through early 2009. as Assemblymember Eng recounted event of Remembering 1882 at the Until then, the exhibit will tour a childhood story of how his fa- university, was held May 22 in the the east coast this summer and fall ther, following World War II, was Biella Room of the Library. with stops at the OCA Annual Na- searching for a place to live for his Organized by former CHSA tional Convention in , family in the San Francisco Bay Board Member Dr. Collen Fong, a D.C., the , professor at CSUEB’s Department and public libraries in Virginia. r

Summer 2008 n Page 5 Heinlenville Archaeological Excavation Open House A Perspective from Historian Connie Young Yu public open house for the excavation currently taking Aplace at the site of San Jose’s major historic Chinatown, Heinlenville, took place on Saturday, March 15, 2008. Participants wandered through the field lab, viewed mate- rial on Heivnlenville history, and spoke with archaeologists about the process during hourly tours. Archaeologists from the Anthro- pological Studies Center, Sonoma State University and local San Jose historians are collaborating with the the City of San Jose’s Redevelop- ment Agency to unearth selected Historian Connie Young Yu at the site of her grandfather's store, areas of Heinlenville and early holding a piece of a soy sauce jar unearthed during the excavation. Photo courtesy of Connie Young Yu. Japantown. The following account of the exca- reporters and a boy scout troop; brick foundation at 34 Cleveland.) vation open house is by Historian Con- from the South Bay, but also Oak- The first trench was at the site of the nie Young Yu. In addition to serving as land, Lafayette, Mendocino, and store of May Wah (head of Hop Sing CHSA Board Vice President, she is also Sacramento. People responded as Tong) where pig bones were found. author of Chinatown, San Jose, USA. if it was truly a unique, once in a Children were thrilled for the “ The community event was lifetime event. A history area set up chance to find artifacts—a hands-on on the 5th day of the rotation, and by Leslie was a source of orientation archaeological experience for all ages. there was no telling how many and information. Each group was “Down the street was the site of people would show up, especially taken on a guided tour on a route my Grandfather’s store, Kwong Wo in weather that suddenly turned in- that went to each of the open trench Chan, now with an easel in front clement. While the team was setting sites. Field Director Mike Meyer had with a picture of the store, photos up that morning, there was of my dad, John C. Young, intermittent rain. This ‘open “ I wanted to express how I felt about biking down Cleveland, and house’ was more like an ‘open the spirit of the people who lived my grandmother with her field day,’ with the team out neighbors. At the trench of there draining ditches of water. here...and how they had a home the restaurant, Ken Ying Low, In the whipping wind, base here for 44 years because of I noticed that people wanted Annita tacked down her the courage of John Heinlen.” to handle the porcelain pieces, ‘exhibits,’ moving easels with and Mike S. said, ‘go ahead, photos and maps and improvising marked in color Cleveland Ave. and touch it, it’s survived a hundred alternative set-ups. Archaeologists store sites so visitors had a sense of years.’ are unfazed by anything and ready the imprint of Heinlenville. The last stop, where I was for everything, I’ve learned. An Tour leaders explained the stationed most of the time, was the hour before the start, as our team of layout of the town and narrated the site of the Ng Shing Gung Temple, guides and site interpreters gathered community’s unique history as well. center of the Chinese community for a briefing, there was already a The archaeologist stationed at each and heart of its culture. There at the crowd gathering at the gate on Tay- trench site gave an authoritative but corner of Taylor and 6th I had the lor Street. friendly presentation to each rotat- expansive view of Cleveland Avenue Then they came in, wave after ing group. Over and over. And an- and people walking towards me. wave. Families with young children, swered question after question. (‘Is The clouds had scattered and the sky elderly residents from the neigh- that the Great Wall of China,’ asked was big and bright. This is the same

borhood, many an official ‘V.I.P.,’ a tiny kid who was showing the Continued at top of page 7

Summer 2008 n Page 6 fung swei my ancestors felt in 1887. sonal experience, with even some what was she doing? He responded When the visitors gathered around, surprising revelations. Folks told me vigorously, ‘Making whiskey!’ I was inspired to tell them of the stories—they shared their memories. At the end of the Open House, scene my father described: how on A Filipino couple who used to live working without a break, everyone the eve of every feast day, the Lunar in the area said they had been in on the team was hoarse, parched, New Year or Dai Jui, people would the temple as curious children, and hungry and exhausted, but smiling come out of their stores with pots described how dark and mysterious and up because of the enthusiastic and bowls to go to the mui (temple) it was, with incense burning. turnout. Many visitors expressed for their share of the “jai” prepared I guided two elderly men, Ed their enthusiasm and gratitude upon by the caretaker and blessed by two and Vince Chin, cousins who met leaving. One guest told me, how Taoist priests. People seemed fully up for the first time in ten years—at wonderful the tour was, that it was engaged in the tour and impressed this Open House—to the site of my ‘like a PBS experience!’ by the significance of what they saw. grandfather’s store. I pointed to the ‘Come and See Archaeology I wanted to express how I felt photos and learned more than I ex- in Action’ said the announcement about the spirit of the people who pected. Ed Chin used to live on 6th and 540 people came and did just lived here, their struggle against ex- street and knew my grandparents that. It was an amazing day. I want clusion, and how they had a home and dad. Vince lived at his fam- to say thank you to Julia, Adrian, base here for 44 years because of the ily store next to my grandfather’s. Charlene, Annita, Mike M., Mike courage of John Heinlen, but I think He walked silently and slowly with S., Mark, Charlie, Chelsea, Erica, they had already gotten it by now. a cane, but the place evoked his Sandra, Bryan, Maria, Leslie, Rut, For me, as a historian and memories. He suddenly told of how Erin, Elaine-Maryse, Bryan and descendant of this Chinese commu- he used to peek through the wood- Anna, every single one of the crew nity, it was a deeply involving per- en cracks of the walls and watch my and volunteers who made this day grandmother. I asked cautiously, happen! Well done!” r

Congratulations to Connie Young Yu! HSA is proud to honor Board sion Act was in effect. Just last year, Vice President Connie Young while commemorating the 125th CYu as a recipient of the KQED & anniversary of the passage of this Union Bank Local Hero Award cel- legislation, Young Yu was a member ebrating the APA experience on May of CHSA’s Remembering 1882 sympo- 7, 2008 at the KQED Public Broad- sium, as part of a panel of legal and casting Center in San Francisco. historical experts. As a lifelong historian, Young Yu Young Yu is the author of Chi- has made local history accessible and natown, San Jose, USA. In addition relevant to the Bay Area community to serving as Vice President of the through articles, presentations, and CHSA Board, she is on the Advi- books recounting the early experi- sory Council of for ences of Chinese Americans. Connie Young Yu (left) accepts her KQED/ Community Involvement and is a Working to ensure that local Union Bank Local Heroes Award from a Trustee of the Hakone Foundation. Asian American historical sites are Union Bank representative on May 7, 2008. Young Yu is also a former trustee Photo courtesy of Frank Jang. recognized, restored, and made of her alma mater, Mills College in available to the public, Young Yu’s This work and passion draws on Oakland. efforts have been instrumental to years of research, oral histories, and Other honorees of the KQED/ launching projects across the Bay even Young Yu’s own family back- Union Bank Local Heroes Award Area, including the restoration of the ground. Her paternal grandfather, are: Regina Clewlow (Engineers for Immigration Barracks at Angel Island; Young Soong Quong, was among a Sustainable World); Rev. Norman exhibits of the Ng Shing Gung build- the first merchants in San Jose’s Fong, (Chinatown Community De- ing at History Park in San Jose; the Heinlenville Chinatown and her ma- velopment Center); Cathy Inamasu Chinese Walls in Woodside; and ternal grandmother, Lee Yoke Suey, (Nihonmachi Little Friends); and the archeological excavation on the was detained on Angel Island for 16 Christina Mei-Yue Wong (Chinese Chinatown site in San Jose. months while the Chinese Exclu- for Affirmative Action). r

Summer 2008 n Page 7 Please note that the CHSA Bulletin is now published quarterly rather than bi-monthly. To contribute articles about Chinese American community and historical news and events, please submit articles to [email protected].

Writer & Editor: Judy Hu || Design: Elaine Joe

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