By Greg Hugh
Chinese Americans are celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary (the Semiquincentennial) in ways that honor both their American citizenship (or residence) and their Chinese heritage. The occasion is an opportunity to reflect on how Chinese Americans have been part of the American story for more than 175 years.
- Learn and share Chinese American history
The early interactions between the United States and China as the two nations considered questions about trade policies, mutual rights, and migration. With the development of a thriving China trade, Chinese migrants soon began arriving in the United States, first coming as sailors aboard trading ships. From the 1850s to the 1870s, approximately 35,000 Chinese migrants mined for gold and silver, shrimped and fished, labored on railroads, drained agricultural fields, and worked in manufacturing.
Left photo: Chen Lanbin, first Chinese ambassador to the U.S. from 1875-1881
Right photo: Early Chinese immigrant laborers worked as gold miners and transcontinental railroad.
Although Chinese laborers contributed much, they were not included in the original photo.
As noted above in the preceding, the 250th anniversary is a chance to remember that Chinese Americans helped build the nation through its early years, but also was subjected to anti-Chinese legislation such as the Exclusion Act.
Right photo: Immigration Interview on Angel Island, 1923.
Liberation for all: Reclaiming America at 250
One hundred and twenty-eight years ago, Wong Kim Ark, a cook from Chinatown, was detained and denied entry to the country where he was born. The community’s fight to the Supreme Court established one of the most fundamental rights in America: if you are born here, you are a citizen. That ruling was built on the Fourteenth Amendment, written to secure citizenship for Black Americans freed from enslavement, a reminder that the struggle for justice has always been shared.
Chinese American Civil Rights Icon Wong Kim Ark was Commemorated
with New San Francisco Chinatown Mural and Plaque Dedication Ceremony on June 26,2026.
Chinese for Affirmative Action, [email protected].
Chinese American WWII veterans received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, in recognition of their service during World War II. Over 20,000 Chinese Americans served in every branch of the armed forces and every theater of the war, yet many faced discrimination both before and during their service. The medal was collectively awarded to honor their courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy..
These stories become part of the broader American story.
- Participate in local 250th events
Many communities will host:
- Parades
- Concerts
- Historical reenactments
- Museum exhibits
- Cultural festivals
Chinese American organizations may organize lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, calligraphy, or traditional music as part of local celebrations, highlighting how diverse traditions have become part of American civic life.
- Reflect on both achievements and challenges
The anniversary can also be a time to acknowledge the full history of Chinese Americans, including:
- The Chinese Exclusion Act
- Discrimination and exclusion
- The progress made through civil rights and immigration reforms
- Ongoing contributions to American society
Recognizing both the nation’s accomplishments and its struggles is a common way Americans observe major anniversaries.
Ultimately, the U.S. 250th anniversary isn’t only about events that happened in 1776—it’s also about the generations of people who have shaped the country since then. Chinese Americans are an important part of that continuing story, and celebrating both Chinese heritage and American identity reflects the diversity that has become a defining feature of the United States.
Organizations such as the Museum of Chinese in America are leading national initiatives to celebrate Chinese American history makers during the 250th anniversary year. While specific Minnesota-based gala schedules for this national milestone are distinct from local annual festivals, community organizations often collaborate on diverse public programs that include performances and historical storytelling to honor these enduring contributions.
Although many national Chinese America organizations may already held their 250th Anniversary Celebration, United Chinese Americans will be held their nation convention in Washington, DC and Chinese American Community will be holding their convention in Las Vegas next month. Check elsewhere on this website for additional details.
