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This presentation examines Chinese migrant associations (called Tongs) fostered political mobilization and created cultural spaces among Chinese Mexican communities during the first half of the twentieth century. Contrary to the traditional belief that the Tongswere perpetual enemies and vice organizations, this presentation shows that the two cooperated with one another amid rising Chinese nationalism and especially during the Sino-Japanese War.Both Tongs raised significant funds to support the Chinese military in coordination with their headquarters in San Francisco. Tongs were also crucial for establishing Chinese-language schools, theatres, and book clubs, and they provided crucial services such as immigration advice which facilitated Chinese Mexicans’ transnational lives. These cultural spaces not only served as avenues for transmitting Chinese culture in the Americas, they also facilitated political mobilization by propagating political ideologies within Chinese migrant communities.
This presentation may also be joined via ZOOM. Email Crystal Govan (crystalgovan@arizona.edu) for the ZOOM link.