What are Chinese family associations?
Initially, these associations were mainly established according to family surnames (i.e., Eng, Wong, Fong, Lee) to serve the social and personal needs of Chinese immigrant community. They helped newcomers settle in American cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, by providing financial and social support, largely in the face of discriminatory practices and policies of the past two centuries. Eventually, as racial integration progressed and harsh immigrant legislation eased, these groups evolved into purely social platforms, providing activities for the Chinese senior constituency such as annual banquets and multi-chapter conferences.
