Chinese laborers among the mountain rocks near the opening of Summit Tunnel During the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad in California’s Sierra Nevada. Photo by Alfred A. Hart ca. 1867.

By Elizabeth Shwe

Members of New York City’s thriving Chinese community hope a recent City Council resolution will help educate New Yorkers about their ancestors’ contributions to the city and country as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month draws to a close.

The City Council passed a resolution earlier this month sponsored by Councilmember Susan Zhuang, who represents Brooklyn’s newly formed Asian-majority district, that commemorates May 10 as “Chinese American Railroad Workers Memorial Day.”

It’s meant to highlight the Chinese workers who built railroad lines like the old Rockaway section of the Long Island Rail Road in the 1870s. It’s also intended to commemorate the community’s lesser-known contributions to New York City over the centuries.

“We cannot erase the history” of the immigrants who have contributed to our country, Zhuang said at a press conference.

Descendants of Chinese railroad workers who live in New York City said they’re excited about the recognition, and see it as a way for more people to learn about the legacy of their families.

“I really think that immigrants are very, very important to this country, and the railroad workers show the value of immigrants to the nth degree,” said Lower East Side resident Larry Lee.

He said his family history in America dates back to his great-great-grandfather and great-grand-uncle, who both worked on the transcontinental railroad. His great-grand-uncle later moved to Brooklyn making Cuban cigars and was one of the largest employers of Chinese people.

Lee said Zhuang’s resolution comes at a pivotal time when Americans have to find a way to stand up for immigrants.

To read the entire article: https://gothamist.com/news/chinese-new-yorkers-hope-their-ancestors-legacy-remains-after-aapi-month

Photo credit: Everett Collection/Shutterstock