The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) is one of the oldest community organizations in Manhattan’s Chinatown. It has performed a quasi-governmental role for Chinese Americans throughout its history. The organization was modeled off clan affiliations in China.
District associations also served as a check on serious organized crime in the neighborhoods by working with police departments to fight tongs. Many of these associations still exist today. They produce publications that often contain information about family histories.
It is a Non-Profit Organization
As a non-profit organization, the CCBA depends on donations to operate and sponsor activities. It aims to promote cultural heritage and unity among Chinese Americans, as well as China-US friendship. It also encourages young Chinese-Americans to participate in mainstream cultural events and programs. The CCBA has also hosted events for government officials to extend New Year greetings to the community.
Historically, the CCBA has been one of the most important organizations in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Originally, it was known as the Chinese Six Companies. Each company represented a different clan affiliation, including Hoy Sun Ning Yung, Hop Wo, Kong Chow, Yeng Wo, and Sam Yup.
The Association works on tenants’ rights, workers’ rights, local Chinatown issues, and more. For example, it has worked on the preservation of Chinatown’s Parcel C and on advocating for bilingual ballots for Boston voters. It has also supported laid-off workers at P & L Sportswear and Beverly Rose Sportswear by providing them with Commonwealth-funded retraining services.
It is a Social Organization
CSA promotes the growth of Chinese students by providing a social environment where they can interact and share their culture. The organization also provides practical services that can help them integrate into American society and become successful. These services can include sponsoring non-Chinese academic or cultural societies, facilitating career fairs, and organizing community events such as cultural shows.
In addition to promoting the development of the Chinese language, CSA helps its members find jobs. It also supports the development of their business and professional skills through networking and mentoring programs. Its activities also include social and cultural celebrations of the Chinese lunar holiday season, general body meetings, and educational lectures.
Clan associations play an important role in Chinatowns, performing many of the functions that government agencies or charities would perform. These organizations often serve as the primary support network for Chinese immigrants. They provide social, economic, and religious support, and also care for the sick or poor. They also work closely with mainstream organizations such as the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and the American Cancer Society.
It is a Cultural Organization
CSA is a cultural organization that promotes Chinese language and culture in the United States. Through sponsored lectures, annual Chinese holidays, and general body assemblies, CSA provides students with forums to experience and discuss their heritage. In addition, CSA hosts social events that encourage close interactions among society members.
China is the world’s most populous nation and has a rich, dynamic culture. Its massive size, long history, and varied linguistics have resulted in an eclectic mix of traditions and customs that have evolved over time.
China’s cultural emphasis on unity means that relationships are based on the concept of “face,” which encompasses one’s reputation, influence, dignity, and honor. As such, people often act deliberately and with caution to protect their face, especially when it comes to interacting with others. As a result, their behaviour is usually more conservative than in other cultures. Likewise, the CSA strives to maintain this culture for the benefit of their members.
It is a Political Organization
In China, mass organizations are a key component of the political system. These non-governmental groups unite workers, young people and women from all walks of life nationwide to participate in local and national political affairs. They also promote cultural exchanges and safeguard world peace.
The CCP is the country’s ruling party, with a top decision-making body called the Politburo Standing Committee. The committee is composed of members of top party and state institutions, including the armed forces and the government. Xi is the PSC’s leader, and he controls all these powerful institutions.
During the Cold War, when the US government ran a campaign to purge Chinatown of Marxists and Communists, Chinese Americans established district associations to disassociate themselves from those ideologies. These associations acted as a second system of government, and provided social support services like youth programs and English classes to Chinese immigrants. They also served as a channel to communicate with government officials who visited Chinatown.