A. Ip

I am a 72-year-old Chinese immigrant woman born and raised in Hong Kong. I was married very young and followed my husband to Holland in 1970 and then to New York City in 1976 where I have lived until today. I got jobs in the Chinatown garment industry and became a union activist and leader with Local 23-25.

When I first came to New York, I remember crossing the street with my three kids one day when a policeman in a police car was turning the corner towards me. He yelled and swore at me. Isn’t he supposed to watch out for the pedestrians?! After I got my kids onto the sidewalk, I yelled back at him, then he gave me the finger and drove off still swearing. I realized there’s a lot of discrimination and injustice in this society.

Working for the union, I helped a lot of Chinese immigrant women, including myself, break out of stereotypes and learn to speak up about our problems and rights.

My father used to say “if there’s a big problem, stand up and protest. If there’s no big problem, don’t stir up a big problem.”

In this crazy world, mutual respect and understanding are so important. Stay calm and promote racial harmony among all the diverse people.