History and cultures united…I wanted to share this experience. In order to #stopasianhate we need to bridge and educate.
Words cannot adequately describe the incredible experience I had tonight at Tom Lea's event DREAMING IN CHINESE: FROM CANTON TO EL PASO about the history of the Chinese communities in El Paso, emphasizing the Cantonese transnational experience with Dr. Selfa Chew.
It was held at the Museum of Archeology. I've never been there but it's really cool and kinda scary with nature all around (I'm a wimp). They had mini moon cakes made by a local and Jasmine tea to sample. There was also a really cool ofrenda set up for Dia De Los Muertos. I want to come back another time to explore after tonight's event.
I knew the history of Cantonese people from my studies in California but learning about the imprint that Cantonese migrants here in the Borderland created was eye opening and so educational! This was the first in a series of events covering Tom Lea's experience with China and the Chinese…
Meeting someone like Dr. Chew who straddles both worlds as a ethnic Chinese Mexican was a revelation. Her work spans the history of El Paso and Juarez and is deeply personal as well.
I invited Dr. Wong (my optometrist) as she has a similar Cantonese background as I have and we all bonded over the progression of history. We met some new friends and enjoyed a very Cantonese family style meal at the most authentic place in El Paso, OG Chan's. Sorry I was too hungry to take pictures of all the dishes, but I had a fantastic meal with them as we discussed culture and food. We met as strangers and left as friends, and that to me, is the magic of El Paso…
I look forward to more events like the Tea Sipping event coming soon….I recommend you check out their calendar of events and sign up, they fill up very quickly!
https://qrco.de/bdC2Ps
