Unity celebration combines Lunar New Year, Black History Month at Bayview-Hunters Point YMCA
The annual unity gathering at the Bayview-Hunters Point YMCA brought together diverse cultural expressions in a vibrant celebration of community, featuring a traditional Lion Dance, musical performances, and meaningful reflections from local leaders. The event has become a symbol of unity for residents, celebrating both the Lunar New Year and Black History Month.
Reverend Fong, one of the founders of the gathering, has shared a special message each year for the past 15 years, blending the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Chinese blessing for the Lunar New Year.
"For 15 years, I mix together the dream. 'I Have a Dream.' Dr. Martin Luther King. And then we have a Chinese blessing for the Lunar New Year. It means, may your dreams be actualized," Reverend Fong said.
The event was first created in response to the tragic death of an elderly man in Bayview in 2010, a loss that deeply affected the community. Reverend Fong, who led the man's funeral service, recalled the sense of solidarity he felt with other community leaders during that difficult time.
"I met all these pastors, African American pastors, even Pacific Islanders, and we were on the street, and I think I cried because I felt a solidarity like never before," he said.
This year's celebration also marked the presence of newly elected Mayor Daniel Lurie, who emphasized the importance of fostering unity among Bayview's diverse communities.
"We have to unite communities. What this represents is the AAPI community celebrating Lunar New Year, along with Black History Month and the African American community in Bayview here, and it's just electric inside," Lurie said. "We need more of this, we need more unity, less division."
For attendees like Adrian Gonzalez, the significance of the event goes beyond cultural celebration. She believes that unity not only curbs violence but also strengthens resources for both communities.
"Being able to work together, to help the community gain support," Gonzalez said.
Adrian's mother, who has attended every year, shared her thoughts on the importance of the gathering.
"It celebrates the Black community, but also the Asian community, which have been a part of this neighborhood since it began. From the beginning, from the shipyards of the Great Migration," she said.
Through a shared exchange of music, food, and prayers, Reverend Fong emphasized the transformative power of cultural collaboration.
"When our cultures and communities come together, that's the way we can change the
world. And make dreams become real," he said.
As the celebration came to a close, the shared message was clear: dreaming together produces a much wider outcome.
