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 ‘China- 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 California: A sented the Civil Rights Suite, a trio Chinese Americans. 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 Him Mark Lai; 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 San Francisco. 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 Chinese Exclusion Act. 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 United States. 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 Chinatown.