SF Chinatown Joins Nationwide Actions for Juneteenth

Editor’s introduction:  The murder of George Floyd sparked protests all over the United States and the world.  It also compelled organizations of all types from corporations to non-profit community groups as well as arts institutions to take a stand.  The process of deliberation, discussion and soul searching has profoundly reshaped individuals and clarified the mission of organizations. I’m proud to have worked with the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco on past events such as “Inclusion Now” rally in 2017 which marked the 135th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act and later that summer for another candle-light vigil and program entitled “Light Up the Night from Charlottesville to Chinatown” to protest a planned rally by the alt-right Proud Boys in San Francisco.  Many Chinese American organizations and individuals joined together then and now for a new movement for racial equality and justice. The following is the statement developed by the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco. There’s great power in simple, direct language that speaks to one’s heart.

CCC adds our voice in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and all people who are committed to justice and equity. 舊金山文化中心與“黑人的生命很重要”運動及致力於正義和平等的所有人發聲。 We are deeply saddened and outraged by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless other lives lost to state-sanctioned violence. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families, hold space for your pain and rage, and share in a feeling of loss for those who are mourning loved ones taken from their communities. Chinatown and Asian Americans across the country are deeply committed to equity and empowerment. We honor and acknowledge the leadership of the black community during the Civil Rights Movement that paved the way for many Asian American organizations to rise up and serve our communities. Institutional racism and violence against black lives must end. 我們對喬治·佛洛依德和哈迈德·阿伯里被謀殺以及其他無數因國家暴力行為而失去生命的人深感痛心及憤怒，為此保留空間以感同身受。 華埠及全美各地亞裔群體齊心致力於平等與民權。我們尊重及感謝非裔社區在民權運動期間的領導，為許多美國亞裔組織的崛起和社區服務的發展鋪平了道路。針對非裔群體的制度性種族歧視和暴力必須結束。 Black Lives Matter. 黑人的命也是命。 黑人的生命很重要。 黑人的命是珍貴的。 No justice, no peace. 沒有正義就沒有和平。 ⁣⁣In solidarity,⁣⁣ CCC Team: Hoi, Jenny, Jia, Sheng, Weiying, Yuanyuan 中華文化中心團隊: 梁凱瑤,  梁凱欣, 柳嘉潔, Sheng, 于濰穎, 朱媛媛

In solidarity with Black Lives Matter, the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco held “Share the Square” mural and art action at Portsmouth Square, a central and one of the most historic parks, a gathering space and site for public demonstrations in SF Chinatown over the Juneteenth weekend.

The mural and art action at Portsmouth Square, a central and one of the most historic parks, a gathering space and site for public demonstrations in San Francisco Chinatown. To mark Juneteenth, a day that honors Black freedom and black resistance, this event was part of a nationwide weekend of action. – Jia Gonitzke 柳嘉潔

Photo by Felix Dong.

All photographs courtesy of Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco unless otherwise noted.