Following last week’s visit to the American Fujianese Ethnic Association by Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), a Taiwanese ethnic association, the Fujianese Association returned the “favor” on Feb. 12, when 10 of their officers visited the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. They emphasized that, from now on, they will work closer with each other in order to fight for more rights and benefits for the Chinese community.

According to Kei Cheng, an officer of the Fujianese Association, his organization has always been one of the 60 ethnic associations under CCBA’s umbrella; however, in the past it did not have much contact with CCBA. He pointed out that moving forward ethnic organizations should not be divisive. Instead, they should all increase their cooperation, especially since the Chinese community has kept expanding. Chinese should unite to fight for their rights.

“Our community needs to progress in multiple ways,” said CCBA Chair Justin Yu, adding that the Fujianese association and the CCBA were brother organizations. In addition to working together, they should unite against any opponent of the Chinese community.

Both groups discussed problems facing the Chinese community, including the need to revive the Chinatown economy, improve traffic problems, and fight for more immigration rights. There was consensus that if the organizations don’t work together and present a unified voice, their community will face more problems.

Cheng pointed out that although the Cantonese had built a good foundation for Chinatown, all ethnic groups need to work together to solve their problems. In light of the recession, new and old ethnic organizations must work for the stability and prosperity of Chinatown.