On January 20th, every year, the third Monday of January is celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. This year, in commemoration of his significant contributions to eliminating racial discrimination, the Manhattan Chinatown Asian American Democratic Club, in collaboration with elected officials from Brooklyn’s Chinese community, held a memorial event. They called on Democrats to draw inspiration from his ideals, correct the bias towards extreme liberal positions, return to their roots of serving the community with common sense, and encouraged Asian American voters to use their votes to promote these goals.
Over a hundred members of the Asian American Democratic Party gathered at the Chinatown District 65 Democratic Party Service Center on that day to participate in the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial event and the Asian American Democratic Party Lunar New Year tea party. Brooklyn’s District 43 Councilwoman, Sandy Jo, Democratic lawyer Neal Fellenbaum, and Wang Di, advisor to the Big Apple Immigrant Center, were in attendance. The event was hosted by Yu Jinshan, a Democratic leader from District 65.
Yu Jinshan reflected on the life of Martin Luther King Jr., born on January 15, 1929, and assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the young age of 39. Despite his passing over half a century ago, his thoughts and ideals continue to inspire the Chinese American community in their pursuit of rights and equality.
“Dr. King is an American civil rights hero who encouraged all minority communities in America to integrate and strive for equal status,” Yu Jinshan said. He mentioned King’s famous speech “I Have a Dream” delivered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. in 1963, expressing his aspirations for equality, freedom, and justice: “One day, all men are created equal,” “The places where oppression is prevalent will one day become free and just states,” “One day my four children will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Yu Jinshan further commented on past efforts to change the admission criteria of specialized high schools based on skin color during Mayor Blasio’s term, which faced unified opposition from the Asian American residents and was ultimately not implemented. However, the community still faces challenges of anti-Asian violence.
Councilwoman Sandy Jo echoed these sentiments, pointing out the unfairness in restricting Chinese students based on their race even though they excel academically. She emphasized the need to overturn such injustices.
Yu Jinshan highlighted other inequalities in the Chinese community, specifically regarding the issue of homeless shelters. He praised Sandy Jo for her efforts in resisting the construction of homeless shelters, embodying Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” philosophy.
Addressing the impact of the recently passed congestion pricing law in 2025 on the Chinese community, Yu Jinshan criticized it as suffocating the community’s survival. He quoted Dr. King, saying, “Unjust laws are not laws,” and stressed the continued fight to abolish the congestion pricing.
Sandy Jo encouraged residents to register as Democratic voters, select candidates in the primaries who genuinely care about people’s safety, education, and quality of life, and eliminate candidates promoting radical ideologies in schools. She urged using their votes to steer the Democratic Party back to its roots of serving the people with common sense.
January 20th also marked President Trump’s inauguration day. Addressing the issue of illegal immigrants facing deportation, Yu Jinshan emphasized the need for New York to retain legal immigrants for nation-building and achieving the American dream while deporting illegal immigrants who threaten community safety to protect the well-being of the people.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawyer Neal Fellenbaum, active in the Chinese community, recounted several serious crimes committed by homeless individuals in Chinatown. He highlighted the need to address the flaws and dangers of New York’s bail policies, advocating for resources to be used against criminals instead of prosecuting Trump.
Fellenbaum called for internal changes within the Democratic Party, urging a step-by-step transformation while learning from past mistakes to avoid repeating them. He emphasized the importance of preserving the Democratic Party’s position.
It was announced during the event that Wang Di, advisor to the Big Apple Immigrant Center, would serve as the District 65B Democratic Party leader, focusing on opposing the construction of homeless shelters and promoting community safety.