Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco)

Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco)

Pro-China

Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) members were invited to visit the People’s Republic of China a number of times, as an opportunity to visit their ancestors’ homes and to see socialism in action. Although the visiting members were aware that much of what they were shown was too perfect, this was also an opportunity to see the country where they found a viable alternative to capitalism in an age of restricted information.^[1]

According to Mabel Teng;

In the early '70s, the People's Republic of China (PRC) inspired the world as a leading third world country struggling for self determination. To us, support for China meant self-respect and pride. CPA worked with pro-China organizations in Chinatown and the U.S.-China People's Friendship Association in celebrating October 1, China's national day, and film showings to promote education and friendship. When the two countries normalized diplomatic rela tions on January 1, 1979, thousands rejoiced in Ports mouth Square.^[2]

Pro-China meeting

Bay area Asian American community organizations sponsored a forum in Chinatown that make the link between U.S. imperialism and racism against Asians in the U.S., July 8, 2001. Three Chinese American activists, involved in the Asian American movement from the 1960's to today, spoke about the spy-plane drama that unfolded with China earlier this year.

There was a strong turnout of over 75 people, including Chinatown residents and Asian American activists whose experience ranged from being veterans of the 60's and 70's to new fighters in the struggle. The panelist spoke in English with Cantonese translation, followed by smaller group discussions in Cantonese and English.

A strong anti-imperialist breakdown of U.S.-China relations was presented. Monica Wayie Ly, who is active in Asians and Pacific Islanders for Community Empowerment (API FORCE) said, "Since Bush stole office, there has been an increase in hostility toward the People's Republic of China and Chinese Americans. The U.S. ruling class sees China as an obstacle to total global domination."

Ly also noted, "The spy plane incident is not an isolated incident. The U.S. promised arms to Taiwan, scapegoated Wen Ho Lee, and bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia."

Historically, China has had great importance for Asians in America. From the time when the first Chinese came to America in the 1850's, the connection to China was strong, due to national oppression that kept them from fully participating in American society. In the 1960's, People's China had a huge impact on the Asian American movement. "It was a time to be proud of China's accomplishments. It helped us to organize," said Patsy Chan, a former member of I Wor Kuen, a revolutionary Asian American organization inspired by the work of the Black Panther Party and other Third World people's liberation struggles.

"Mainstream Asian American organizations oppose racism, but won't make the link to U.S. and corporate policy abroad," said Gordon Mar, a long time community activist and former director of the Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco). While these mainstream organizations object to the increased racism of the American public and media towards China and Chinese Americans, they also try to distance themselves from China by encouraging Asian Americans to become more patriotic and to express their loyalty to the U.S.

The forum's message directly countered the belief that Asian Americans need to prove our worth in this country. We're here because the U.S. was in our homelands. The message our community needs to hear is that as long as U.S. imperialism rules in Asia, Asians living in the U.S. will be denied true equality and continue to face national and racial oppression. Rather than distancing ourselves from Asia, we need to find ways to unite our struggles.

The forum was sponsored by the Asian Left Forum, API FORCE, Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines and Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco). The Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) hosted the event at their office.^[3]

Lui Cheng 2007 American tour

The American Center for International Labor Solidarity and the National Labor College recently hosted Professor Liu Cheng for Shanghai Normal University to discuss the evolution of the new draft contract labor law in China. Cheng’s visit to the NLC on March 27th was the culmination of a multi-state tour meeting with union leaders and members of Congress.

For the report by Global Labor Strategies analyzing the impact of transnational corporations on the first draft of the Contract Law go to: UNDUE INFLUENCE: Corporation Gain Ground in Battle Over Chinas New Labor Law

Liu Cheng's tour included nearly 45 events over 17 days, in the Bay Area, Boston, Amherst, New York and Washington DC. A partial list of the many sponsoring organizations, and their key contact, includes:

Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco), - Alex Tom

ENSS

In early October 2017, Chinese for Affirmative Action joined Chinese Progressive Association, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus and notable community leaders Henry Der, Ling-chi Wang, and Helen Zia to form the End National Security Scapegoating (ENSS) coalition. The coalition was established in response to pervasive efforts by the U.S. Department of Justice that target and prosecute Chinese American individuals for espionage related crimes.

One such Chinese American is Professor Xiaoxing Xi, who, in 2015, was falsely charged and prosecuted by the FBI for allegedly sharing technology to a Chinese-based company. He faced charges carrying a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison and a $1 million fine. After causing significant hardship and distress to Professor Xi and his family, the FBI eventually dropped the case without explanation or an apology.

Members of the ENSS coalition and supporters at San Francisco State University. From left to right: Cynthia Choi, CAA Co-Executive Director; CA Assemblymember Phil Ting; Prof. Xiaoxing Xi; Grace Yoo, Chair of the Asian American Studies Dept.; Dr. Russell Jeung, SFSU Professor; Pam Tau Lee, Chinese Progressive Association Board Chair.

Today, Professor Xi is seeking justice and accountability for his wrongful prosecution and to help end national security scapegoating and racial profiling in general. In efforts to raise awareness and to mobilize the community, the ENSS coalition invited Professor Xi to participate in a speaking tour at San Francisco State University, University of California-Berkeley, and Stanford University. Along with other experts, Professor Xi spoke powerfully about the dangers of racial bias in government surveillance programs based on his own experience.

Regrettably, this form of discrimination is part of our U.S. history. From the Chinese Exclusion Act to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, Asian Americans have been labeled and profiled as perpetual foreigners and threats to national security. The Muslim Ban, police violence against African Americans, and attacks against immigrants today must be understood in this same vein.

CAA, with our ENSS coalition partners, will continue to oppose efforts to racially profile Asians Americans under the false pretext of national security, to advocate for greater government accountability, and to build alliances across affected communities.^[4]

Boston/San Francisco connection

The Chinese Progressive Association (Boston) congratulated the Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) on its 40th anniversary.

FRSO connection

Congratulations on 45th Anniversary, 2017.

Personnel

As of December 2017;^[5]

Board of Directors

Staff

Alex T. Tom, Executive Director
Le Tim Ly, Deputy Director
Fiona Liang, Operations and Finance Manager
Emily Ja-Ming Lee, Political Director
Shaw San Liu, Organizing Director
Frances Fu, Development and Communications Coordinator
Linda Lee, Senior Development and Programs Manager
Joyce Lam, Senior Community Organizer
Lucia Lin, Senior Movement Building and Alliance Coordinator
Flora Luo, Community Organizer
Annelisa Luong, Community Organizer
Tiffany Ng, Community Organizer
Rachel Vernon, Sr. Project Manager
Lai Wa Wu, Community Organizer
Jonathan Yee, Technology Coordinator

As of 2015;^[6]

Board of Directors

Staff

Joyce Lam, Senior Community Organizer
Emily Ja-Ming Lee, Political Director
Linda Lee, Senior Development & Program Manager
Fiona Liang, Operations and Finance Manager
Shaw San Liu, Organizing Director
Annelisa Luong, Community Organizer
Le Tim Ly, Deputy Director
Tiffany Ng, Community Organizer
Alex T. Tom, Executive Director
Lai Wa Wu, Community Organizer
Jonathan Yee, Techonology Coordinator

Media

Linda Lee (English only)
Alex Tom (English and Chinese)
Emily Lee (English and Chinese)
Joyce Lam (English and Chinese)

40th anniversary

On August 4th 2012 to celebrate Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco)'s 40th Anniversary. CPA was proud to honor the National Guestworkers Alliance and New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice, the Free MUNI for Youth Coalition, and Jobs with Justice San Francisco.

Host Committee:

Rolland Lowe and Kathy Lowe • Grace Lee Boggs • Josue Arguelles • Supervisor John Avalos • Angelica Cabande • Supervisor David Campos • Mike Casey • Supervisor David Chiu • Antonio Diaz • Reverend Norman Fong • Conny Ford • Maria Guillen • Alicia Garza • Roger Kim • Supervisor Jane Kim • Helen Kim • Jee Kim • Mario Lugay • Supervisor Eric Mar • Gordon Mar • Alisa Messer • Luke Newton • Supervisor Christina Olague • Vincent Pan • Tim Paulson • Ai-jen Poo • Raquel Redondiez • Peggy Saika • Shiree Teng • Makani Themba-Nixon • Helena Wong • Miya Yoshitani^[7]

Attendees included: Dee An, Alvina Wong, Linda Lee, Kevin Tang, Katie Li, Ken Wang, Calvin Miaw, Sophat Phea, Andy Kuang, Pam Tau Lee, Drake Nguyen, Annelisa Luong, Jia Hong Situ, Bob Wing, Mike Murase, Alex Tom, Kayan Cheung-Miaw, Heidi Hong, Scott Kurashige, Saket Soni, Kimi Lee, Stephanie Chan, Sophia Cheng, Vivian Yi Huang, Lung San Louie, Minh Nguyen, Don Misumi, Tammy Bang Luu, Alice Thx, Victor Yang, Anna Lei, Helena Wong, Mark Liu, Steve Lew, Timmy Lu, Ruodi Duan, Natalie Gee-McGilley, Xu Lin, Victoria Yee, Mabel Tsang, Lucia Lin, Stacy Kono.

Former CPA Common Roots Youth

In 2012, former CPA Common Roots Youth congratulated the Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) on its 40th anniversary.

Sherman Ho, Henry Tan, Jenny Deng, Suki Wen, Joanne Fung, Edmond Yuk, Ming Tang, Cynthis Pang, Ada Tang, Vanessa Zhang, Kate Chi, Chyanne.

HARNESSING THE STRENGTH OF A THOUSAND RIVERS

The Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) Celebrates 45 years of Resilience and Resistance.

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, the Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) will celebrate our 45th anniversary with the theme, “Harnessing the Strength of a Thousand Rivers.

“We have faith that we will win. We must harness the strength of our communities, of everyday people, to strategize, organize, and build power.”

Alex T. Tom, Executive Director.

Host Committee

The Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) Celebrates 45 years of Resilience and Resistance.

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, the Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco) will celebrate our 45th anniversary with the theme, “Harnessing the Strength of a Thousand Rivers.

Host committee members were:

Fahd Ahmed, Alysabeth Alexander, Mike Casey, Myra Chow,Cathy Dang, Antonio Diaz, Supervisor Sandy Lee Fewer, Norman Fong, Conny Ford, Alicia Garza,George Goehl, Rudy Gonzales, Corinna Gould, Sherry Hirota, Dana Kawaoka-Chen, Helen Kim, Supervisor Jane Kim, Aarti Kohli, Laura Livoti, Gordon Mar, Xavier Morales, Vanessa Moses, Tim Paulson, Supervisor Aaron Peskin, Ai-jen Poo, and Mu Ping Poo, Supervisor Hillary Ronen, Saket Soni, Sarath Suong, Mabel Teng, Shiree Teng, Supervisor Norman Yee, Haeyoung Yoon, Miya Yoshitani, Anand Singh.^[8]

CPA/Occupy SF

Eric Mar October 30, 2011.

Photo by Bruce Akizuki - Chinese Progressive Association teach in and solidarity action in support of Occupy SF and the Occupy movement sweeping the US. 150 CPA members, families and allies marched from Portsmouth Square to cheers from the Justin Herman Plaza occupy encampment! — at Occupy San Francisco.

SF Wage Theft Task Force

Gordon Mar October 1, 2012.

Launch of new SF Wage Theft Task Force with Dolores Huerta, Supervisors David Campos & Eric Mar, Shaw San Liu, Tiffany Crain, Tim Paulson, Conny Ford, Chinese Progressive Association, Filipino Community Center, Young Workers United, Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth, Mujeres Unidas y Activas, San Francisco Labor Council, Unite Here Local 2 and many others! — with Julia Wong, Conny Ford, Eric Mar, Shaw San Liu, Maria Hernandez, Tiffany Crain Altamirano, Timothy Paulson, David Campos, Chelsea Boilard, Guillermina Castellanos, Tom Temprano and Dolores Huerta at San Francisco City Hall.

Youth activists

Chinese Progressive Association (San Francisco), August 16:

With Nathaniel Teng, Nevin Chin, Carolyn Nguyen, Brandon Zhang, Elizabeth Gao, Jacky Chen, Emily Wong, Stanton Li, Kelvin Li, Gordon Liu, Jason Lin, Dillon Lin, Karen Ung, Katie Huang, Stephanie Tse, Yan Yu, Timmy Leung, Megan Dương, Emily Chow, Vannie Mai, Andrew Vuong, Vincent Chen, Jason Lai, Miguel N. Abad, Ivan Li and Nancy Truong.

Supporting Kentucky miners

References

↑ [THE INTERACTION BETWEEN SERVICE AND ORGANIZING: TWO HOUSING CAMPAIGNS BY THE CHINESE PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION Kaori Tsukada Stanford University Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity Undergraduate Honors Thesis May 26th, 2009]
↑ [1]
↑ FB News, Spy Plane and Anti-Chinese Racism by Sun Lee | August 1, 2001
↑ [http://www.caasf.org/2017/10/end-national-security-scapegoating/← Developing Grassroots LeadersCAA Advocates for “Clean” Federal DREAM Act → End National Security ScapegoatingPosted on October 31, 2017 by CAA]
↑ [2]
↑ CPA board, accessed November 4, 2015
↑ Chinese Progressive Association, Together We Move Mountains :: Celebrating Generations of Change
↑ [3]

[1] [THE INTERACTION BETWEEN SERVICE AND ORGANIZING: TWO HOUSING CAMPAIGNS BY THE CHINESE PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION Kaori Tsukada Stanford University Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity Undergraduate Honors Thesis May 26th, 2009]

[2] [1]

[3] FB News, Spy Plane and Anti-Chinese Racism by Sun Lee | August 1, 2001

[4] [http://www.caasf.org/2017/10/end-national-security-scapegoating/← Developing Grassroots LeadersCAA Advocates for “Clean” Federal DREAM Act → End National Security ScapegoatingPosted on October 31, 2017 by CAA]

[5] [2]

[6] CPA board, accessed November 4, 2015

[7] Chinese Progressive Association, Together We Move Mountains :: Celebrating Generations of Change

[8] [3]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]