United Chinese Americans National Board Retreat: Forging a Path to Unity and Progress

By Jan Xie and Ray Liang

The historic town of Lexington, Massachusetts, known for its pivotal role in the birth of the United States, became the backdrop for a different kind of revolution on October 22nd and 23rd, 2023. The United Chinese Americans (UCA) national board convened for its annual retreat at the Lexington Historical Society,  hosted by the UCA Massachusetts (UCA-MA) chapter, New England Chinese American Alliance (NECAA) and Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL).

This retreat served as a confluence of minds, a platform where leaders from different parts of the United States came together to discuss, deliberate, and strategize on the challenges confronting the Chinese American community today.

The retreat began with a warm welcome extended by Professor Hua Wang, Chairman of the UCA Board, and UCA MA Chapter President Gary You. Their gracious reception set the stage for a series of insightful discussions that followed.

Haipei Shue, the President of UCA, introduced the purpose and objectives of the retreat, underlining the essence of unity and progress. Board members delved deep into the challenges facing the Chinese American community, addressing issues from healthcare disparities to educational access, and from immigration concerns to employment opportunities.

With a vision of a brighter future, Haipei Shue shared his perspective with the board members, prompting an invigorating exchange of ideas. The attendees, driven by their commitment to a better tomorrow, discussed strategies to bridge the gap and specific action plans to attain their goals.

Beyond the conference room, the retreat offered a unique opportunity to connect with history. Attendees took a guided tour of Lexington, visiting historical landmarks that played a significant role in the birth of the American nation, including the site of the first shot fired during the dawn of the American Revolution and the birth place of American spirit Walden Pond.

A significant portion of the retreat was dedicated to discussions about the upcoming Chinese Americans convention and fundraising initiatives, vital to sustaining the UCA's mission and its commitment to the community.

The retreat concluded on an inspiring note, leaving board members recharged and determined to make strides in growing the UCA and advancing its mission. It was a testament to the resilience and passion of the Chinese American community, committed to advocating for their rights and contributing to the diverse fabric of the United States.

In the spirit of unity and community engagement, a joint dinner was organized, enabling board members to interact with community leaders from New England who attended the New England Community Leadership Summit oct 21. Their positive impressions of the UCA's ethos of "lead, serve, and inspire" further fueled the passion and dedication of the attendees. 

The event witnessed the gathering of over 60 influential figures, including UCA President Haipei Shue, Chairman Hua Wang, incoming Executive Director Ray Liang, past Board Chairmen Steve Pei, Xiaoyan Zhang, Jinjiang Cai, and other dedicated board and executive team members including Gary Yu, Yinong Shen, Jan Xie, Chen Li, Stephanie Sun, Hardy Li, Yingchao Zhang, and Qi Hong, Shirley Ma, Laura Liu, Lining He, Xiaoming Dong, Jack Ding, in addition to distinguished community leaders from New England. Like Ge Qian, Qing Liao, Lei Jing, Feiqi, Tony, Iris Zhao, MaoLi,.Jack,Hailing,Leeying,Lilly,Minwen Yang, Jaclyn, Esther Wilson Yizheng, Xiaodan, Ruru ,Lan Zhang, Olive Jin,Runxuan Shao, Chenfang dai, Ning Zhou, George, jacky, Xinxin, and Daryl Luk...... A memorable highlight of the retreat was the cultural performance by Dr. Yingchao Zhang, who made a remarkable six-hour journey from New Jersey to perform, adding a touch of artistry and culture to the event

The United Chinese American National Board Retreat in Lexington was not just a meeting; it was a manifestation of dedication and purpose. It was an opportunity for leaders to stand together, sharing their visions, building strategies, and leaving with a renewed sense of purpose. As we look ahead, it is clear that the spirit of unity and determination fostered at this retreat will continue to drive positive change and progress for the Chinese American community in the United States.

UCA President Haipei Shue

"I am particularly proud of the donation drive: it broadens the cause of the retreat, connects UCA to the local community, and enriches and makes history in the process - after all, Lexington is "The Birthplace of American Liberty". " by the UCA board chair Wang Hua.

On September 16, 2023, ACAESUSA participated in Denton, Texas’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Volunteers distributed gifts, including yellow whistles, handmade lantern materials, notebooks, candies, and toys. A set of Chinese history books was also donated. Dr. Rudy shared a compelling story about his advocacy for bilingual education for immigrant minorities as a Latino representative.

Hispanic Heritage Month, originally Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, commemorates the rich history, resistance, and triumphs of Hispanics and Latinos. The event celebrated this history through stories, music, and art, honoring their contributions.

ACAESUSA President Jan Xie expressed gratitude to Denton City and Center Director Muller Yosselin for promoting cultural awareness, traditional culture, and youth education while serving the local community.The event thanked Mayor Gerard Hudspeth and Brian Beck, Brandon McGee, Center Director Muller Yosselin for their support, as well as the Committee of 100 and the Yellow Whistle Project for donating yellow whistles to combat hate against Asians.

ACAESUSA’s Mental Health Program started planning in Washington DC, in partnership with UCA-WAVE, addresses mental health issues among young people and Asians. We invite participation in our November event: Event Sign-up

Jan Xie ( janxie@acaesusa.org )

Chairman of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Council Chen-yuan Tung on March 22 in Houston Chinese Cultural and Educational Services Center, presented the Fu Mo Sha Overseas Chinese Affairs Professional Medal to Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Board member Mu Chenghua, thanking him for his long service in the overseas Chinese community, and the promotion of Chinese language education. (Click here for more pictures)

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston Director Luo Fuwen, Houston Cultural Education Center Director Chen Yifang and Deputy Director Huang Yili and more than 50, from Houston and Dallas, friends and family from all walks of life in the field. Chen-yuan Tung said in his speech, Mu Chenghua in Dallas to promote overseas Chinese affairs and overseas Chinese education work for 50 years, making a lot of contributions, serving the overseas Chinese community during the establishment of the Dallas Chinese Activities Center and Chinese School, for the unity of overseas Chinese community. He stressed that he was very happy to present the medal to Houston as a congratulatory gift on Mr.Mu’s 80th birthday, and hoped that Mu would continue to carry forward his legacy; this year coincides with the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, and congratulated the Commission on its happy birthday. Meng Min kuan shared Mu Chenghua’s story, that he has dedicated his life to the development of traditional culture, served as the principal and chairman of the board of directors of the Hua Xing Chinese School, continued efforts to promote the work of overseas Chinese and heritage education work, dedication to the spirit of admiration, thank him for his own carry and cultivation.

He has also founded the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Chinese Activities Center, the Chinese Voters Association, and assisted in the establishment of the Glorious Society, the Double Ten National Day Preparatory Committee, the Chinese Association of Societies, the Blue Sky Golf Club, the Dallas Sun Yat-sen Academic Research Association, Mu has organized three Miss Chinatown pageants, served as he has hosted countless National Day dinners and received countless political and business officials and leaders from all over the world.
Mr. Vincent Hsiao, the outgoing Vice President, was visiting Dallas as the Director of the Bureau of International Trade when he caught a bad cold and was not allowed to move around in the hotel. 
In that year, the chairman of the board of directors of Hua Xing Nursery School, Jonah Koo, went to Dallas to attend the International Women’s Conference. Perhaps due to her diet, she suffered from diarrhea and had to be sent to Dallas Hospital. When she was admitted to the hospital, she found an Oriental-faced doctor who was with her from beginning to end, and was always there to help with her care. Why do you care so much about a person you don’t know? Mr. Mu said, “Chairman, I am not a resident, I am an alumnus of Huaxing and I have been nurtured by Huaxing.“ 

Director Yang Jin-Tian, who worked at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, was going back to Houston for a meeting after attending Eddie Bernice Johnson’s re-election celebration dinner in Dallas. By the time Commissioner Mu was ready to drive Director Yang to the airport, his legs were too sore to step on the brakes. 
When Mu accompanied Mayor Steve Bartlett of Dallas and Congressman Eddie Bernice Johnson to Taiwan to meet President Ma, he made warm arrangements along the way and did a beautiful job of national diplomacy.
Mr.Mu of this life, in his back silently support his people, is Mu’s wife – Ms. Luo Fenglan, this year is also their 50th wedding anniversary of the golden wedding joy.

Mu expressed his sincere gratitude for the medal, and said that he grew up in Hua Xing Nursery since childhood, and was deeply concerned by the country’s support and care for the community, and that it was his duty to give back to the overseas Chinese community. After returning to the U.S., he and his friends set up the Chinese School, which has grown from 92 students to more than 1,400 students. For the overseas Chinese community he is very grateful, and hope that overseas Chinese community in the leadership of Tong Chun-yuan more prosperous and strong. 

In the evening after the award ceremony,  American First National Bank Chairman Wu Wenlong specially set up a seafood banquet to entertain everyone. Toasting and celebrating, we spent a happy evening.

The next morning, Mr. Chen-yuan Tung had a talk with the overseas leaders of the Dallas Chinese American community.

https://www.jianstv.com/?p=410

2022 Asian Cultural and Educational Society Global 3rd Annual Charity Concert

--Second Year of COVID-19 Relief

   The third annual Asian Culture and Education Society charity show was successfully held on February 27th. This performance, which was held virtually due to COVID-19, was supported by caring people from all over the world.

  First of all, we are very grateful for the support of the painters of this charity Concert. At this concert, the painting "Autumn Forest", which was specially donated by the famous local painter Li Ke for this event. The painting "Autumn Colors of Dongjiang" by the famous brush painter Mr. Deng Weiping and "Cat" by the painter Qiu Mei were displayed during the concert. Everyone who wants to  participate in the auction can click here to see more participating painters as well.

   The producer of this benefit performance is Mrs. Jan Xie, President of the Asian American Cultural and Educational Society. She was very grateful for the artistic guidance and assistance given by Mr. Peng Jingquan, the director of this Charity Concert. Mr. Li Yugang's "Floating Clouds Disperse" was euphemistic and moving. American singer Manshu liqi has made a special joint opera for the concert featuring: Beijing Opera, Gaozai Opera, Huangmei Opera and HuaFan. The Tenor Bingchuan Wan sang < nessun="" dorma="">>, and the Australian singer Ni Xueping sang "The sound of the hometown is forever", which expressed the wishes of people overseas to miss their hometown. Singer Tan Jing from China sang "Spring, Autumn, Winter and Summer", a moving story of the ordinary world during COVID-19. Tim Mank, a talented singer, gave a performance with his guitar. Australian singer David Kuo's song "Dreaming of Hometown" brought tears to the eyes of overseas wanderers, who missed their loved parents in their dreams. The singer from Taiwan, Zhao Zhuan, who sang "Because of Love”, seemed to be everyone's favorite! The artistic advisor of this performance, American singer Ms. Liu Xiang and Mr. Guo Haoyue's duet of "Plum Snow Love" was like a flower in a dream, and their sweet voices made people feel like they were wrapped around a beam for three days. Mr. Zhang Chen of Dallas American Singers Zhang Chen School of the Arts and his student

LEXING WEI sang "Mango", a perfect interpretation of rap in English and Chinese. Singaporean musician LEE YUN HE's piano performance of the selection from the Chinese ballet "Fish and Beauty" was enchanting. The Shenzhou Chorus sang "The Pearl of the Orient" in a majestic manner. The Chinese Rhythm Folk Ensemble's "Welcome to Spring" gave everyone a taste of the lively New Year. There was also "Welcome to Gifu to Enjoy Flowers" from Japan. Cathy Happy Fitness Charity Platform presented the beautiful song La Vie en Rose by Christie Wang. The Baotoumen Horse Head Fiddle Studio presented the beautiful song <"ten thousand="" horses="" galloping"="">. Misty Cheung & Vienna Cheung performed "South of the River in the Smoke and Rain" .  XinYi Li Ribbon Dance was performed by Mogao Caves. Indian dance was introduced by Xima. The singer Vinessa Sun’s “Home" touched everybody’s hearts. "Tangcheng International Cultural Education Dance Sketch" was provided by an artist from Italy, Christine did a violin performance, and three elegant and sensual dances were done by Jane and Ai shang Dance Bar, "Jazz Paris/Love Seed Flower,” “Repayment," and “Wei shan Lake.” Alanna Sun & Elivabeth Sun did Traveling Sister . Katelyn Hu did "The Ordinary People", “Existence" was done by Kaylee Xie of Zhang Chen Art School. Thanks be to Charles Qi Cherubini in Coro and Jennifer Jew and Ashly Bei Jew doing Original Compositions, selected by Bukaopu: Those Past Lunar Festivals. This event was supported by media outlets BARTV and JiansTV.  

  The Asian Cultural and Educational Association's New Year's celebration came to a successful conclusion. This year, we all came together for the holidays to donate PPE to the community, deliver gifts to nursing homes, and write greeting cards. Thank you to Ms. Minning Wu of Highland Park School District for helping to lead the group in putting up the Spring Festival couplets and decorations for the Highland Park High school. The Asian Cultural and Educational Association also provided help to companies and schools to promote Chinese culture. For distributing red envelopes and decorating the community to promote traditional Chinese culture, thank you to all the volunteers and donors. This includes Peng Bin for his providing of red envelopes from a long distance, Irina Li for her hard work on the flyers, Yong Wang and Dan Tian for help on the photography, Xin Junqing, Qiu Mei, Hailong Jin, Guoliang Yu, Angelina Huang, Amber Wang Wang, Ethan Li, Howard Li, Jessica Wu, Samuel Wu, Ming Yu, Zhongping Pan, Amy, Vivian, Ming Yu, XInyi, Kunthear Mam-Douglas, Xiao Li, Huiyu Li, ChunYan , Ye Jia Li, Elise Liang, Ellen Liang , Jun Huang, Jing Xu, Leng Hui, Serene Luo, Chuling Jiang and Di yang for their enthusiastic help and more.

  Once again, the Asian Cultural and Educational Society wishes everyone a happy and healthy Year of the Tiger! www.acaesusa.org 214-4712651