克利夫兰及周边地区消息

Cleveland International Hall of Fame Award

What a great honor it is for me to receive the Cleveland International Hall of Fame Award. I do want to thank profusely Margaret Wong and the Cleveland International Hall of Fame selection committee for this honor.    At the Tenement Museum in New York City, there is this quote:”People without ambition stay home. Only those with ambition were willing to risk their lives and fortunes, travel long distances and attempt a new life in the United States.”    At the Tenement Museum in New York City there is this quote: “People without ambition stay home. Only those with ambition were willing to risk their lives and fortunes, travel long distances and attempt a new life in the United States.”    At the Tenement Museum in New York City there is this quote: “People without ambition stay home. Only those with ambition were willing to risk their lives and fortunes, travel long distances and attempt a new life in the United States.”    At the Tenement Museum in New York City there is this quote: “People without ambition stay home. Only those with ambition were willing to risk their lives and fortunes, travel long distances and attempt a new life in the United States.    I believe this prestigious award should rightfully be shared with these people, immigrants and refugees whom I have had the honor and privilege of helping and serving. I am constantly humbled and moved by their matchless resiliency, great sacrifices, endurance of unspeakable pain and remarkable adjustment to challenging circumstances to realize their hopes and dreams for themselves and families. My work was simply to do the right and just thing byadvocating on their behalf and helping them navigate through unfamiliar terrain to overcome barriers here and to reach their goals. My journey with them has been fulfilling, inspiring and great joy.    In the early thirties when my parents came to study in America, they were inspired by their thought-provoking professors, witnessed boundless opportunities to create and succeed, and felt much warmth and support from fellow Americans during their stay. After returning to China and Hong Kong, they were convinced America was the place where their children would thrive and succeed. My siblings and I will remain forever grateful for the sacrifices they made for us coming to America .    My choice of profession to help and serve immigrants and refugees would not come to fruition were it not for this country’s, great heart for the displaced, oppressed and marginalized. Service, compassion,generosity and human rights characterized the strengths of this country. Therefore, I would remain always grateful to this country for realizing my dream to improve the quality of life for immigrants and refugees to become fully contributing and patriotic American citizens.    Joining me tonight is are many who encouraged, supported and advocated for my community work , ASIA’s CEO Elaine Tso , ASIA’s leadership team andASIA’s Board members, Cleveland community leaders, Annie Pu, Erie Chinese Journal, Anna Li, President, Chinese Women Association, Chia Chen, City of Cleveland Community Relation and Dr. Ye Fan Glavin, Case Western University I want to thank my husband, Dr. CF Chen for bring me to Northeast Ohio where we worked raised a family and served the community. I want to thank my children and grandchildrenthrough out these years for their participation and support of my community work.    My fervent hope is that we must continue to work together to foster and nurture, women, men, young adults and youth in our immigrant and refugee communities to be meaningful voices and leaders. Northeast Ohio can provide resources and opportunities to realize this most important goal. Our own immigrant communities must commit to be civically engaged. We must find time and learn to incorporate altruism, compassion and philanthropy in our daily living.    Finally, during these difficult times from pandemic, racism and political divide, we must re-establish our faith in one another, revert to our country’s core values and continue to welcome immigrants and refugees who hold great promise, growth and strength for America.