The Houston Chinese Community Center held the election for the chairman and vice chairman of the preparations committee for the celebration of the National Day of the Republic of China on Sunday, April 28th at 3:30 pm. Thirteen representatives from various overseas Chinese organizations attended the event and after voting, Yang Jialing, President of the North One Girls’ School Alumni Association, was elected as the chairman and took on the responsibility of vice-chairman as well.
The co-chairs of the Chinese Community Center, Ye Linsufen and Huang Taisheng, along with Wang Yingrong, Director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, Director Huang Yili, Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee members Chen Meifen, Chen Jianbin, and Liu Xiumei, Overseas Affairs Advisory Committee member Gan Youpin, as well as honorary members and representatives of various associations, were present at the event to witness the proceedings.
Huang Taisheng highlighted that Houston’s overseas Chinese community began celebrating the National Day of the Republic of China in the 1970s. Initially, the festivities were led by restaurant owners in downtown, then in the 1980s, they moved to the southwest area, especially after the establishment of the Overseas Chinese Education Center in 1986, the celebrations began to focus here and flourished. About 20-30 organizations participate each year. Wang Yingrong mentioned that under the leadership of Yang Chongken and Yang Jialing, last year’s preparatory committee successfully completed a series of events. This year, under the leadership of Yang Jialing, with the principle of full participation from the entire overseas Chinese community and a fun-filled atmosphere for families, they believe the celebrations will be even more exciting. Last year’s Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee thank-you letters were presented to Yang Jialing and Li Yingxia of the United Chinese Benevolent Association of Southern Houston.
In her speech after being elected with the endorsement of five organizations, Yang Jialing expressed that participation in the election was not for fame or profit, but to create a festive atmosphere for the overseas Chinese community worldwide. She hopes that everyone, including the elderly and children, will join the festivities. She expressed gratitude for the support and trust, and promised to uphold financial transparency and fairness based on the rich experience from last year, and to lead an excellent team. She emphasized the importance of teamwork over individual perfection and hopes that all organizations will work together to showcase their unique characteristics and present a series of exciting events this year.