APAPA Founders Present Generous Donation to Antioch Chinese History Museum and Planning Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Henry Chang, APAPA Executive Director 

Henry.Chang@apapa.org

(916) 402-6215

APAPA Founders Present Generous Donation to

Antioch Chinese History Museum and Planning Project

SACRAMENTO – The founders of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), C.C. and Regina Yin, announced a generous donation of $10,000 to the Antioch Chinese History Museum and Planning Project. APAPA leaders, Marsha Golangco, Chair of the APAPA Tri-Valley Chapter, Henry Yin, Chair of the APAPA Bay Area Region, Joe Johal, National Board Member, and APAPA National Executive Director Henry Chang joined the Yin family at the APAPA National Headquarters in Sacramento on December 14, 2021 to present the donation before community leaders and elected officials. Dwayne Eubanks, President of the Antioch Historical Museum and Hansel Ho, representing Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe also presented a certificate of appreciation to APAPA. The $10,000 donation will be used to establish a Chinese historical exhibit at the museum in Antioch.

Earlier this year, the city of Antioch issued a formal apology to all early Chinese immigrants and their early descendants hoping to rectify the lingering consequences for the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants that took place more than 140 years ago. Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe presented the apology and resolution to the community and supporters, including CC and Regina Yin, representing APAPA. City leaders also pledged to create a Chinatown Historic District to include murals and museum exhibits to highlight the city’s vast and important Asian history and contributions.

Chinese immigrants arrived during the Gold Rush and many were instrumental in the construction of the transcontinental U.S. Railroad. While Chinese immigrants made positive contributions to California’s history during this time period, they were demonized and often mistreated. According to media reports at the time, Antioch’s Chinatown was burned to the ground and Chinese immigrants were forced to follow a county law that did not allow them to be outside after sundown.

“While the injustices of the past cannot erase Antioch’s dark history, the admission of racial wrongdoings is a critical step in healing. APAPA commends Antioch city leaders for being the first city in California to issue a formal apology to Chinese immigrants and descendants for the past discrimination and injustices. The city’s pledge to build a Chinese historical district will help to educate many about our rich history and we are delighted to see this APAPA donation go toward a good cause. Our wish now is to move towards a brighter future to build a stronger state and country,” said C.C. and Regina Yin. 

The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Asian Pacific Islander communities through increased leadership and civic engagement.