Senate Resolution No. 2530

BY: Senator CHU

COMMEMORATING the observance of the 525th
Anniversary of the establishment of Taishan on
February 12, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to the rich
history of great cities and to foster ethnic pride and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, During the Ming Dynasty, the area of present-day Taishan
was carved out of Xinhui County on February 12, 1499; and

WHEREAS, The Taishanese people, also known as Hoi San Ngin, are a
Chinese group from the area comprised of the Taicheng Subdistrict,
Dajiang town, Shuibu town, Sijiu town, Baisha town, Sanhe town, Chonglou
town, Doushan town, Duhu town, Chixi town, Duanfen town, Guanghai town,
Haiyan town, Wencun town, Shenjing town, Beidou town, and Chuandao town
in the southwest of Guangdong province; and

WHEREAS, Taishanese immigrants were among the first Chinese people
to settle in the United States, with the oldest record of immigration
from Taishan dated 1821, approximately 203 years ago; and

WHEREAS, Taishanese Americans have made significant contributions to
the United States, New York State, and New York City; and

WHEREAS, The Taishanese language was the original bridge-language of
Chinatowns across the United States; the Taishanese community has
preserved its cultural identity and language, enriching the fabric of
New York's diverse population; Taishanese Americans have shaped the
dynamic cultural landscape of New York City including to its culinary
scene; and

WHEREAS, Between 1863 and 1869, the United States built the
transcontinental Pacific Railway, significantly relying on the manual
labor of a Chinese immigrants, most of whom were from Taishan; in June
1867, five days following a terrible and fatal explosion, 3,000 Chinese
railroad workers dropped their tools, stood their ground, and went on
strike; their acts demonstrated they would not be taken for granted and
challenged the stereotype of a passive and obedient Chinese immigrant;
and

WHEREAS, Taishanese Americans continue to play a vital role in the
economic relationship between the United States and eastern Asia,
contributing to bilateral trade and investment, creating jobs, and
fostering mutually beneficial relationships; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to urge the
citizens of New York State to join those from Taishan as they rejoice in
the accomplishments of their ancestors; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the observance of the 525th Anniversary of the establishment
of Taishan on February 12, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Taishanese community in New York.