Pearl of the Desert | Chinese History of Arizona, USA (69) Original historical books and publications

Arizona Chinese Historical Association Zhang Zhaohong 5. "Lotus Pod" (Continued) In 2004, Desert Jade Chinese...

Arizona Chinese Historical Association Zhang Zhaohong

5. "Lotus Pod" (Lotus Pod) (Continued)

In 2004, the Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association completed the second episode of "Lotus Powder". The cover of this episode "Lotus pods" consists of lotus leaves, lotus flowers and lotus pods. Lotus leaves produce nutrients, lotus flowers are fragrant and clear, and lotus pods are full of fruits. There is a word "jade" circled next to the name "Lotus Peng".

Compared with the previous registration, I can now appreciate the perseverance of Chinese women more. They have achieved results through their own efforts, their families have developed, their social status has improved, their vision and mind are broader, so the content of "Lotus Powder" has been expanded to more levels.

The themes of this book include community groups, race and ethnicity, society and culture, etc., and strive to promote Chinese family customs and traditional culture. "Lotus Powder" spreads Chinese stories to mainstream society, and also increases Chinese people's understanding of their own history.

“Desert Jade Woman’s Club” An early social group composed of Asian women in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1960 the club became part of the Arizona Federation of Women's Clubs (AFJWC) and the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). In 1970, the club removed the 35-year-old age limit for new members and opened membership to all ages, adding many members.

In 1974, the Chinese members of the Desert Jade Women's Club joined the Phoenix Overseas Chinese Federation. The Chinese name of the group was changed to "Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association", but they were still part of the GFWC headquarters. At this time, the club pays more attention to the growth of the next generation of Chinese Americans, and is more willing to give back to society and contribute to the Chinese community.

In 1976, "Lotus Patch" was first published, and the second volume was completed in 2004. It compiled and published Chinese-American culture, history and information in a book, and taught it to the younger generation. Proceeds from its sale have been used for educational scholarships.

In March 1978, the Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association participated in the "Hello, Phoenix" event hosted by the city and held an event in the city center square. This citywide program focuses on racially oriented performing arts programming.

Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association's many charitable and civic projects include donating time, money and energy to various local fire departments, veterans groups, community, service and family organizations.

Since 1992, the Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association has awarded scholarships to outstanding Chinese students every year. By 1995, the number increased to 6, with each scholarship worth up to 500 yuan. In 1995 and 1996, they donated $46,000 of the funds raised to the Asian Gallery of the Phoenix Art Museum and to the free medical and dental clinic at St. Vincent de Paul. In 1998, the Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association donated 5,000 yuan for the expansion project of the Chinese Senior Citizens Center.

The Desert Jade Chinese Women’s Club donated more than $34,000 to the Phoenix Art Museum and became a very famous sponsor. In that year, all media and advertisements printed the name of the Desert Jade Woman’s Club. They received awards from the GFWC headquarters from 2000 to 2002.

During 2003, they donated more than NT$10,000 and more than 300 books to Brunson Lee Primary School. In 2004, the Friends of Asia Gallery Art Endowment Fund was established and donated more than US$25,000 to the Phoenix Art Museum within 5 years.

In 2005, the Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association donated 1,000 yuan to provide free legal aid to victims of domestic violence in civil courts. In addition, eight 8th grade students are assisted to attend high school. In 2006, criminals invaded members' homes and caused physical harm. The Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association made a donation to the Silent Witness Fund to Catch Crimes.

Over the years, the Desert Jade Chinese Women's Association has supported the preservation of historical relics and old buildings, such as saving the Phoenix Suns commercial building, relics of old Chinatown, etc. Donations were also made to the Chinese Cultural Summer Camp and the President’s Electricity Fund.

Every year, club members create and design a photo album that includes photos, letters and information about the year's events, thus also preserving history.

Desert Jade Woman’s Club has been established for more than 60 years. It has done a lot of good deeds and established an excellent image of women in mainstream society and the Chinese community. In 2010, they left a group photo for the 50th anniversary of their establishment. Desert emerald has been famous for generations.

>Desert Jade Woman’s Club 50th Anniversary (2010)