#16. Shaping the Future By Honoring The Past Ron
My name is Ron Chan. Five years ago, I discovered my grandfather’s old documents of lost names, and forgotten places. Realizing many stories were slipping away, I gathered a handful of friends with a shared passion for preserving family history, and together, we founded the Bay Area Chinese Genealogy Group. What started as a gathering of 12 friends, has grown to 240 members nationwide. As Founder and Executive Director, I work alongside dedicated members to uncover and share Chinese American history, which has included, honoring Chinese American WWII GIs, preserving stories of San Francisco’s Chinatown nightclubs and family associations, and helping families trace their roots. One moment stands out: I was handed a tattered photo of an elderly man and told, “Because of you, I found his name. I now know who I am.” That was when I understood—this work is more than research. It restores identity. By honoring the past, I shape the future. This is my gift to America.