As Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month draws to a close, the First Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix stands as a testament to the cultural and historical significance this commemoration holds. The oldest Chinese congregation in the Valley, the First Chinese Baptist Church, traces its origins back to 1937, playing a critical role in the lives of Asian immigrants in the region. Roxanne Song Ong, the church's nursery director, grew up in this community, learning what it meant to be Chinese in American society. "When I was a little kid — like 1st and 2nd Grade — I always, I don’t want to say hated, but despised the fact that I was Chinese. I wished I looked like all the other kids in school, but I didn’t. And of course, you got teased a great deal," Song Ong told ABC15.
The congregation's senior pastor, Dillon Le, a first-generation Vietnamese American, recognizes the church's vital importance for Asian immigrants from various backgrounds. "It’s obvious with like eastern cultures that it is more communal, and so that collectivistic mindset, it does strengthen the bonds especially at like an Asian church," Le explained to ABC15. Although its name suggests a congregation primarily of Chinese descent, the church's embrace of Asian culture extends across national lines, offering a communal harbor to those seeking familiarity and understanding amid a foreign landscape.
Turning to the broader canvas of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, the observance began humbly with resolutions proposed by Congress back in the 1970s. According to the Library of Congress, it wasn't until 1990 that a full month was designated to acknowledge the contributions and legacy of Asian and Pacific Americans. Since then, May has served as a beacon of recognition for the achievements and struggles of a diverse set of peoples, from the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 to the enormous contributions of Chinese workers to the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.
The evolution from a single week to a month-long celebration underscores a growing awareness and appreciation of Asian/Pacific American contributions to America's diverse tapestry. From the arts to sciences, governance to commerce, their influence pervades the pages of history—a sentiment echoed in presidential proclamations since President Carter's first declaration in 1979. As articulated by generations of leaders, this month offers "appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities" to honor the vast and varied experiences of the Asian/Pacific American communities, a sentiment manifested in the enduring legacy of institutions like the First Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix, as noted by the Library of Congress.
