The Hakka Association of Greater New York held a 28th anniversary celebration at the Sheraton Hotel in Flushing on the 15th, where approximately 200 fellow villagers and overseas Chinese gathered to celebrate, with 20 tables set up for the event. Apart from the inauguration ceremony for the new president, the event featured singing and dancing performances, group singing, violin performances, and lucky draws, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. This year’s annual meeting saw a significant number of young people involved in organizing and attending, injecting new vitality into the traditional overseas Chinese community.
The annual meeting kicked off with the singing of the American national anthem, the national anthem of the Republic of China, and the Hakka Association of Greater New York’s theme song. The event was graced by the presence of various dignitaries such as Congressman Meng Zhaowen, New York State Assemblyman Jin Duoxi, New York City Councilor Huang Minyi, Deputy Director Zhang Lixian of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, and Director Wang Yiru of the New York Cultural and Educational Center, who congratulated the Hakka Association for its efforts in promoting cultural heritage and serving the community.
In her speech, the newly appointed president Li Huiping expressed her honor in taking on the role of president in New York as a “legitimate Hakka daughter” from Wanluan Hakka Village in Pingtung. She thanked the outgoing president Zhong Ailin and past board members for laying the foundation, as well as the continuous support from all sectors for the development of the Hakka Association. Li mentioned her commitment to serving fellow villagers and promoting Hakka culture in the next two years, hoping for the support from all sectors.
Zhong Ailin, in her address, highlighted the recent initiatives of the association, mentioning two important groups within the Hakka Association of Greater New York – the “Heritage Transmission Team” promoting crafts and cultural heritage, and the UN General Assembly working team involving young participants. She pointed out that despite busy academic and work schedules, many young members actively engaged in preparation, meetings, and execution, becoming a significant force in the operation of the association. She humorously remarked that the new team had lowered the overall organization’s average age by “20 years,” expressing hopes for more new blood to strengthen the future of the Hakka Association of Greater New York. This sentiment echoed the youthful involvement observed at the annual meeting.
Several elected officials also extended their congratulations at the event. Congressman Meng Zhaowen noted that the prosperity and diversity of Flushing today cannot be separated from the long-term efforts of Asian immigrants, including Hakka people. Assemblyman Jin Duoxi mentioned the Hakka culture’s emphasis on family and community cohesion, sharing many similarities with other ethnic cultures, making it an integral part of New York’s diverse cultural society. Councilor Huang Minyi presented commendations to both outgoing and incoming presidents, acknowledging their contributions to the community.
The program of the annual meeting was rich, featuring choir performances of Hakka songs, violin performances, and multiple rounds of lucky draws. The highlight prize was a round-trip ticket from New York to Taipei provided by China Airlines, elevating the atmosphere to a climax. The conference concluded satisfactorily amidst singing and laughter, showcasing the strong “Hakka spirit and sentiment” within the overseas Hakka community.