Event celebrates Chinese heritage

The year is 1918. Chinese immigrants to WindsorEssex are striving to build better lives for themselves, their families, and future generations. But it’s not easy. It’s an era when Canadians consider it acceptable to level a head tax against Chinese people. Hardship and discrimination are part of the Chinese-Canadian experience at this point. In these circumstances rose the Windsor Chinese Benevolent Association — Windsor’s first Chinese-Canadian community group. For decades to follow, the association advocated for its people — intervening in disputes, making legal and funeral arrangements for those far from their native land, and even campaigning to repeal the Chinese Exclusion Act. On Saturday, the Essex County Chinese Canadian Association invites the public to join in celebrating 100 years of local Chinese-Canadian history. The free event includes a dragon dance, tai chi demonstration, kung fu demonstration, drum performance, folk dance performance, choir performance, traditional costume display, cultural exhibits, and more. “This celebration recognizes a century of the Chinese community working together to build a better society for everyone,” said ECCCA president Stephen Tsui. The Essex County Chinese Canadian Association anniversary event runs Saturday from 1-6 p.m. at the Caboto Club (2175 Parent Ave.). Attendance is free. Visit eccca. net or call 519-252-6621 for more information.