The first Chinese Cultural Festival didn’t go unnoticed by the New Orleans and Jefferson Parish brass. Held Sept. 12-18 at the Lakeside Shopping Center, the festival was honored by two Proclamations of Recognition from New Orleans City Council and Jefferson Parish Council respectively; and a Certificate of Recognition from the New Orleans Mayor’s Office.
“We wish to commend New Orleans Chinese Association for its mission to celebrate and enhance the cultural diversity and shared experiences that our city has to offer. We wish you every success and may New Orleans Chinese Cultural Festival be celebrated for years to come,” the City Council proclamation read.
The Jefferson Parish Council proclaimed Sept. 12-16, 2016, to be known as “Chinese Cultural Week.” The proclamation also stated that since 2008, Louisiana has ranked first in U.S. in per capita foreign direct investment with China being the second largest investor in Louisiana and Louisiana’s top export market.
The New Orleans Chinese Association works to strengthen relationships among Chinese Americans, to promote and preserve culture and heritage, to encourage civic involvements, and to advance business relations between China and Louisiana.
The focus of Chinese Culture Week is held to highlight China’s unique heritage. The council recognized the contributions made to the community by China and honored its heritage with the title.
In addition, The Certificate of Recognition was given by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
“What a great first year, thanks so much for all your efforts,” said Cynthia Lee Sheng, Councilwoman at large in Jefferson Parish.
More than 1,000 people attended the Chinese Cultural Festival, including Sichitra Satpathi, from the Mayor’s Office; Mark Romig, from New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp; Chris Roberts, Susan Guidry, and LaToya Cantrell, from New Orleans City Council, Cynthia Lee Sheng, Ricky Templet and Jennifer Van Vrancken, from Jefferson Parish City Council, Ben Johnson, president/CEO of New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Leo Marsh, from AT&T, Robert Romero, Honorary Cousul General of the Philippines.
The festival has exhibited Chinese arts and artifacts, photos, books, movies, costumes, and many other cultural items. It has also presented the Chinese martial arts demonstrations; folk dances, music, songs and more. Information about traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese tourism, and other areas were presented.
“The success was achieved through the joint efforts of the New Orleans Chinese Association (NOCA), the Academy of Chinese studies, as well as the entire Chinese American community in New Orleans and Louisiana,” Lucy Chun, president of the New Orleans Chinese Association, said.
“It was an honor and pleasure of the New Orleans Chinese Association, jointly with the Academy of Chinese Studies, to present the Chinese Cultural Festival. We hope the festival has further expand the cultural horizons of our city, increase mutual understanding, enhance friendship and cooperation between the Chinese American community and the mainstream,” said Hong Dai, former vice president and board member of the NOCA; co-founder/vice president of the New Orleans Chinese Choir, who is co-chair and professor of the Department of Mathematics at Dillard University.
Glen Wilson, director of the Lakeside Shopping Center said that the Chinese Cultural Festival was impressive, and the decorations were stunning. On behalf of the shopping center, Wilson said the festival has a standing invitation to return each year.
For information about the New Orleans Chinese Association, write to lucychun88@gmail.com; for information of the Academy of Chinese Studies, write to Jhu18@hotmail.com.
