LAGSCA Delegation to Guangzhou

ANHPI Heritage month, celebrated each year in May, recognizes and honors the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. A grand celebration was held in Guangzhou, China the weekend of May 24th to the 26th, 2024.

A large delegation of officers, members, and friends of the LAGSCA met in Guangzhou for this celebration. During the visit the delegation had an opportunity to have the first official visit to see the association’s gift to the city of Guangzhou on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the sister city association in Yuexiu Park. The highlight of the weekend was a grand banquet at the Garden Hotel where over 300 people gathered to celebrate the ANHPI and honor Mr. Stewart Kwoh for his work in promoting Asian American, native Hawaiian and Pacific Island people and their cultures.

Lunar New Year (Year of the Dragon) Banquet

First Image: From Left: Peter H. Antoniou, LAGSCA Co-President, Guo Shaochun, PRC Consul General of LA, Fred Hong, LAGSCA Co-President, Judy Chu, Member of US Congress, Paula Madison, LAGSCA Board Member, Mary-Claire Sei, Executive Assistant, LA City Mayor’s Office.

The Los Angeles Guangzhou Sister City Association started the Year of the Dragon in grand fashion.  Members and guests ushered in the Ney Year at our annual dinner on Feb 25th, 2024. Our elegant traditional feast was preceded by a reception giving everyone a chance to exchange news and greetings for the new year.  

After dinner our co-presidents, Fred Hong and Peter H. Antoniou emceed the evening's program. We were honored to hear from Representative Judy Chu and our board member Paula Madison.

The association is co-sponsoring a group of Los Angeles Community College District students on a visit to our sister city --Guangzhou. The city's Foreign Affairs Office is arranging all the activities and accommodations for the group. The association has pledged to support the transportation for the travelers.  Our guests were extremely generous in offering to sponsor individual students. Additionally, some local businesses and organizations will be spooring a student. 

About one of Our Members

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A hearty congratulations to our member and director Dr. Nancy Pine on the publication of her latest book, “One in a Billion: One Man’s  Remarkable Odyssey Through Modern-Day China”.

This heart-wrenching story immerses readers in the dramatic survival of one outspoken man who illuminates the souls of a billion ordinary Chinese citizens. An Wei (a stubborn, hardworking peasant who has lived by his values and stood up for his convictions) has succeeded against all odds in the authoritarian environment of China. Despite grinding poverty, hunger, reeducation campaigns, and attacks from jealous peers, An Wei continues to inspire with his daring achievements, such as launching a democratic congress in his village. His compelling life provides a vivid backdrop for understanding the development of modern China from the unique perspective of an outspoken citizen. Through his audacious determination and survival skills forged in rural poverty, An Wei’s unstoppable drive to improve himself and rural China will captivate and enthrall readers. Her website can be found at https://nancypine.info/

Nancy said of this man’s life, “For me, An Wei’s life, his accomplishments, his fearlessness, and his drive to make his world better, showed that one individual could challenge authority and make a difference while upholding his core values. It is a story worth telling!”

Nancy Pine has traveled and studied in China for decades. She holds a Ph.D. in education and is one of the leading American experts on Chinese early childhood education, which led to her book, Educating Young Giants, published by Palgrave Macmillan. She has taught everything from kindergarten to graduate school and founded the Bridging Cultures US/China Program. At Mount Saint Mary’s University, she has advised the administration and faculty on China.