On the evening of January 21st, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander hosted a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at the Surrogate’s Courthouse in Manhattan, also known as the “Little Paris Opera House,” to welcome the Year of the Snake. The event aimed to promote cultural diversity and honor three outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the Asian American community in various fields: Wellington Chen, the Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, Pauline Chu, the founder of the Chinese American Parents Association (CAPA), and Jo-Ann Yoo, the former Executive Director of the Asian American Federation (AAF).
This Chinese New Year celebration in New York City reflects the city’s respect and support for multiculturalism. Comptroller Lander, in an interview with the newspaper, praised the contributions of Asian Americans to the economy and culture of New York. He emphasized the significant roles Asian New Yorkers hold in areas such as business, real estate, arts, creativity, and cuisine.
“New York City is fortunate to have such a rich and diverse Asian community, and tonight is about celebrating that,” said Lander. “During this era where diversity enriches America, we need to stand up and support the Asian and immigrant communities, striving to make New York a safe, affordable city and provide better city management.”
In his interview with the newspaper, Wellington Chen mentioned the long-standing history of Chinese traditional culture and the special significance of Chinese New Year as a major festival. He emphasized the importance of going home and reuniting with family, hoping that this event would serve as an opportunity for more people to understand the deep cultural significance of the Chinese community. Additionally, he noted the historical significance of the Surrogate’s Courthouse building itself and urged people to reflect on the past and look towards the future while celebrating the New Year.
Chen also pointed out that 2025 is a historic year, urging everyone to seize the opportunity and achieve greater breakthroughs. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “The time is always right to do what is right,” encouraging everyone to work towards positioning the community for the future.
During the event, Ms. Pauline Chu expressed her gratitude for the recognition from Comptroller Lander and reflected on her long years of community service. She mentioned that the growth of the Asian population and the increase in voting rates have brought more opportunities for community development, while also calling on the Asian community to strengthen unity, use the power of voting to voice their opinions, and seek more resources and support. She further stated that despite being over 80 years old, she is still willing to continue contributing to the community.
New York City Council Member Matteo attended the event and congratulated the traditional Chinese New Year, while the Chairman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association led the lion dance troupe, adding a festive atmosphere to the event with performances like Korean fan dancing and Chinese children’s dance. The vibrant celebrations received rounds of applause, enhancing the lively ambiance of the event.