By Jue Lin, CHCP Director

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project hosted a presentation and panel discussion titled "Chinese Americans' Fight for Civil Liberties: A Legal History of Resistance and Civil Disobedience" at History Park, San Jose. Community historian David Lei led the presentation, joined by a distinguished panel of scholars and activists: Dr. Anna Eng, historian and lecturer at UC Berkeley and SF State, and CHCP Advisory Board Member Connie Young Yu, author, historian, and community activist. Lei's talk explored landmark court cases brought by Chinese Americans, such as Yick Wo v. Hopkins, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, and Lau v. Nichols, and their lasting legacy on the civil rights that all Americans enjoy today. These include birthright citizenship, equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment, public education, and political asylum. More than 65 community members attended the event. A video recording of the talk is available below: