To promote the development and integration of Chinese Americans in the United States. It works to bring together professional, business, ministry and student components of the community. It also focuses on issues that affect the entire state of Minnesota.
Many immigrants joined associations of family names, places and professions to help them succeed in their new homes. You can find information about your ancestors by looking at their membership lists and rosters.
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
The Chinese Historical Society of Southern California preserves and promotes the history of Southern California’s Chinese American community through research, public programs, education and exhibitions. The society works to strengthen ties within the Chinese American community and with the wider community through promoting education, cultural appreciation and understanding, and civic participation.
District associations, family associations and other civic groups were formed to help new immigrants adapt to their new homes and succeed in their endeavors. Associations often created rosters of their members, and you can find your ancestors on those lists by searching for records at these organizations.
The CHSSC has been instrumental in assuring the dignified reburial of remains and artifacts discovered during excavation for the Los Angeles Metro Rail line at old Chinatown/Union Station. It is currently working with Riverside’s Save Our Chinatown on a permanent injunction to protect historic Chinatown. The Society also provides training workshops for locating records in the library, conducting oral histories with Chinatown pioneers and preparing family history projects.
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New York
As the unofficial government of New York’s Chinatown, CCBA led social services and business activities for Chinese immigrants. It also acted as a liaison between the community and official city government. In addition, CCBA helped organize laid-off electronics and rubber stamp manufacturing workers to win increased severance pay and job training opportunities.
CCBA has also promoted cultural and economic exchanges between the U.S. and China. In addition, the organization has mentored college and high school students to help them navigate the challenges of life in America.
In 2004, CCBA spearheaded the formation of the Chinese Voters Federation to encourage qualified Chinese American citizens to vote in the 2004 presidential election. Similarly, following the tsunami disaster in South Asia, the CCBA raised more than $500,000 for relief efforts. Moreover, the organization has worked closely with many different City departments and agencies to solve on-going problems in Chinatown. This includes addressing insufficient parking spaces and confusing sanitation enforcement regulations.
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England
A 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England operates 90 Tyler Street in Boston’s Chinatown as well as two other locations in the city. CCBA also provides social services for the community such as youth programs and English classes. The CCBA works closely with many main stream organizations to provide the most effective services for the Chinese community.
In addition to providing social services, the CCBA advocates for the Chinese-American community and promotes Chinese culture and tradition. It has fought against discriminatory legislation such as the head tax and segregated schooling laws.
The CCBA’s new building manifests thresholds under urban, programmatic and tectonic conditions. Straddling Chinatown’s border, the structure frames and reinforces the iconic gate of this historic neighborhood while opening itself up to a reciprocal relationship between insiders and outsiders.
Chinese Historical Society of America
The Chinese Historical Society of America is a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring and highlighting the contributions and legacy of Chinese Americans. Through exhibitions, publications, and public programming, the society celebrates the diverse history of Chinese American culture. In the past, it has helped plan immersive exhibits on Bruce Lee, sponsored a documentary on music journalist Ben Fong Torres, and provided historical consultation for documentaries about San Francisco’s Chinatown.
The CCBA has also served as a spokes group for Chinese individuals who have faced difficulties with immigration policies and regulations. The CCBA also works to promote racial understanding and make specialized scholarship accessible to students, teachers, and the general public. In addition, the CCBA lobbies local governments for better protection of immigrant communities and fights serious gang activity in Chinatowns across the United States. Its headquarters are located in San Francisco’s Chinatown on Stockton Street. The CCBA also maintains offices in various cities around the world.