Youth Learn About Chinese Railroad Workers with Sonoma Historian Jim Silverman 了解加州华工历史意义深远 青年学生与索诺玛市历史学家Jim Silverman交流活动

Source from : Sing Tao Daily. 資訊來源：星島日報

Photo: AEA President Ben He and student delegation with Sonoma Mayor Jack Ding, historian Jim Silverman, and former Assemblymember Kansen Chu in front of Sonoma City Hall. 企业家联谊会会长何华斌带领青年学生拜会索诺玛市市长丁骏辉、历史学家Jim Silverman及前政要朱感生伉俪，并在市府门前合影

On October 22, under the leadership of President Ben He, the American Entrepreneurs Association (AEA) led a group of over ten community-minded youth to Sonoma City Hall for a meaningful visit with Sonoma Mayor Jack Ding, renowned historian Jim Silverman, and former California Assemblymember Kansen Chu and his wife Daisy. The visit included an in-depth discussion on the city’s development plans and the often-overlooked history of Chinese immigrants in the area, fostering valuable intergenerational dialogue and cultural awareness.

The group received a warm welcome upon arrival. Mayor Jack Ding led the students to “The Raising of the Bear Flag” monument for a symbolic group photo, signifying Sonoma’s shared history with the state of California. He then guided them through City Hall, explaining the building’s architectural symbolism—equal dimensions on all sides representing the city’s commitment to fairness and justice in governance.

During a roundtable session, President Ben He thanked Mayor Ding and Jim Silverman for hosting the students on a weekend. He highlighted Sonoma’s significance not only for its wine industry but also for its rich—yet often overlooked—Chinese-American history, especially the contributions of Chinese railroad workers over 150 years ago. He emphasized the responsibility of the younger generation to rediscover and share this legacy. President He also praised Mayor Ding’s leadership in pushing for a historic city proclamation apologizing for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

Historian Jim Silverman echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the essential role of Chinese laborers in Sonoma’s early development. He shared plans to produce four films portraying this untold history, aiming to engage younger audiences through modern storytelling and artistic interpretation.

Mayor Ding expressed deep gratitude to AEA and the student visitors for their interest in preserving Chinese-American heritage. He emphasized that Chinese immigrants were instrumental in building Sonoma’s railroads and wine industry. While many public libraries lack documentation of this history, he reaffirmed his commitment to correcting that absence and advocating for Chinese voices. He encouraged young Chinese Americans to carry forward their ancestors’ mission and become active contributors to their communities, saying, “We must take responsibility for the world around us.”

Former Assemblymember Kansen Chu, who also served eight years on the San Jose City Council, applauded the event. Reflecting on his journey from international student to engineer and public servant, he urged the students to engage in civic life. Quoting, “If you're not at the table, you're on the menu,” he encouraged them to speak up, participate in politics, and help advance equity for the Chinese-American community.

Students actively engaged in the discussion, asking questions about Chinese immigrant history and offering their own reflections. The open dialogue with city leaders provided powerful learning and inspiration. Many students shared their commitment to continuing the work of honoring and sharing Chinese-American stories.

Youth participants included:
Elissa Chan, Grace Wei, Jia Wu, Kuanqi Zhu, Xi Wu, Liqun Zhong, Huaizhe Chen, and Michelle Liu.

AEA leadership in attendance:
Vice President Manna Li, Board Members Flora Zhou, Steven Wu, and John Zhou.

10月22日，在美国企业家联谊会（American Entrepreneur Association, AEA）会长何华斌的带领下，十多位热心服务社区的青年学生前往索诺玛市政府会议厅，拜会该市著名历史学家Jim Silverman、市长丁骏辉（Jack Ding），以及前加州众议员朱感生伉俪等政要，并认真聆听他们分享关于城市发展的新规划，受益匪浅。此次公益活动不仅促进了代际交流，也为索诺玛市未来的发展营造了良好氛围。

当天早上，来自湾区的十多位青年学生抵达索诺玛市政厅，受到丁骏辉市长和历史学家Jim Silverman的热情接待。市长带领大家前往“The Raising of The Bear Flag”纪念雕像前合影，寓意索诺玛市与加州共同发展。随后，丁市长带领学生参观市政大楼，并讲解其建筑设计的象征意义——四面外观尺寸一致，寓意政府以公平公正的态度服务市民。

在市政厅的交流活动中，何华斌会长发表致辞，衷心感谢丁市长和Jim Silverman在周末抽出时间接待青年学子。他提到，索诺玛不仅以葡萄酒闻名，还有丰富的历史遗产，尤其是华工150年前在此奋斗的历史。可惜的是，这段重要历史未被公平记录，我们有责任重新认识和宣传，唤起更多人对华人先辈贡献的关注。他特别感谢丁市长推动索诺玛市政府为“排华法案”签署道歉公告的历史性作为。

历史学家Jim Silverman在致辞中也表达了对华工历史的高度评价，并表示将全力推动历史还原和宣传。他计划制作四部反映华工真实历史的电影，通过新媒体形式吸引更多年轻人关注，并希望借助艺术化表达，使索诺玛的历史更生动地呈现在大众面前。

丁骏辉市长在发言中感谢AEA及青年学生对华工历史传播的支持。他强调，展现索诺玛最真实、最优秀的文化是他的责任。华工是索诺玛市发展历史中不可磨灭的一部分，他们对铁路建设、红酒产业发展等都有重要贡献。令人遗憾的是，在许多图书馆的资料中很难找到相关历史记录。尤其1882年的《排华法案》，对华人造成沉重打击，也更加坚定他要为华人发声的决心。他呼吁华人应有“以天下为己任”的使命感，继承先辈的精神，继续前行。

曾担任圣荷西市议员八年、加州州议员六年的朱感生先生亦高度赞扬此次活动。他指出，索诺玛和圣荷西一样，是有深厚华人足迹的城市。朱先生回忆自己从留学生到工程师再到从政的经历，并引用“If You’re Not at the Table, You’ll be on the Menu.”勉励青年学子勇敢发声、积极参与政治，推动华人群体的公平待遇与发展。

当日，青年学生还与市长及历史学家进行了深入交流，提出许多关于华工历史的疑问，并分享了各自的见解。市长与学者耐心解答，令学生们收获颇丰，纷纷表示将继续努力，完成还原华人历史的使命。

参与活动的青年学生包括：Elissa Chan、Grace Wei、Jia Wu、朱冠期、吴熙、钟立群、陈怀哲、Michelle Liu等。企业家联谊会领导成员包括：副会长Manna Li、理事Flora Zhou、Steven Wu、John Zhou等。