In Honor and Duty: The Chinese American WWII Veterans, E. Samantha Cheng compiles a thorough historical record that recognizes the service and sacrifice these patriots paid in America's wartime need. In addition, the data collected and compiled for the Congressional Gold Medal project will serve as an indispensable source of info for surviving family members and historians/scholars alike.

Register here.

Fang A. Wong was born in Canton, China and immigrated to the United States in November 1960 at the age of twelve. He has been a naturalized citizen since January 1963. In addition to his Vietnam service he also served tours of duty in Germany, Korea, and several stateside military bases. He retired from the Army in May 1989 was elected as The American Legion National Commander from 2011-2012.

Frank R. Shirer completed 20 years of active enlisted and commissioned service in the U.S. Army, serving in field artillery and military intelligence assignments, retiring as a captain. He was employed as a historian for the US Army Center of Military History for 22 years. As the Center’s chief archivist he was branch chief of the Historical Resources Branch, which consisted of the Center of Military History archive and library, for his last 14 years before retirement.

E. Samantha Cheng is an experienced journalist and documentarian. Cheng is the Co-Founder of Heritage Series, LLC, a company that specializes in educational programs about U.S. ethnic minorities and their contribution to U.S. history. She is author and publisher of HONOR AND DUTY: The Chinese American WWII Veterans, the subject of the panel discussion.

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago's Executive Director Ben Lau will moderate the discussion.

Do you want to tell stories to connect with people emotionally and to create intimate communities with others? There are two parts to this workshop/circle. During the first half of the session, we will discuss central tenets of this art form and learn how to craft and tell stories. Participants will share personal stories during the second half of the session.  

Register here.

Ada Cheng is a professor-turned-storyteller, solo performer, and storytelling show producer. She is the producer and the host of five storytelling shows, including Pour One Out, Am I Man Enough?, Talk Stories: An Asian American/Asian Diaspora Storytelling Show, Speaking Truths Series, and This Is America: Truths through My Body. She creates platforms for people to tell difficult and vulnerable stories as well as spaces for people and communities who may not have opportunities otherwise. She currently works as the Education and Outreach Specialist with Women’s Leadership and Resource Center at UIC, providing training on issues related to gender-based violence. Her interests span multiple fields, including academia, storytelling/performance art, and advocacy. Her motto: Make your life the best story you tell.  

For more information visit her website here.

Talk Stories: An Asian American/Asia Diaspora Storytelling Show will return to the Chinese American Museum of Chicago on Wednesday December 16.

Talk Stories showcases storytellers of Asian identities and backgrounds through different storytelling medium, including personal narrative, music/dance, and improv comedy. We include both performers as well as community members in storytelling to reflect upon their experiences as Asian Americans as well as members of the Asian diaspora.

We will send the tickets registration link once available.