On May 21st, New York State Assemblywoman Grace Lee introduced a resolution in the State Assembly to honor the late Chinatown community leader and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mulberry House Community Center, Don Lee, recognizing his contributions to the Asian American community.
In the State Assembly hall on Tuesday, Lee stated, “I want to pay tribute to our recently lost community member Don Lee, an outstanding individual in the Asian American community who embodied the American Dream and devoted his life to helping other Asian Americans in New York achieve the same dream.”
Don Lee immigrated to New York City at the age of 10 and grew up in Manhattan’s Chinatown, his story epitomizing the success of immigrants. While studying at New York University, he worked part-time at a local restaurant in Chinatown to support himself and his family. After graduation, he built a successful career and made significant contributions to public administration and healthcare in New York City.
“Despite his professional success, he never forgot where he came from. Don Lee was a tireless community activist, constantly advocating for the needs of Chinatown residents,” said Lee. Afterward, Don Lee took on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mulberry House Community Center, serving the Asian American community in Brooklyn for 20 years, providing them with support.
Lee praised Don Lee as a good husband to his wife and a loving father to his daughter. The Asian American community in New York, especially in Chinatown, will greatly miss his presence, and his contributions will forever be remembered in everyone’s hearts.