On May 19, 2018, Consul General Hong Lei attended an Asian American Heritage Month Celebration and a National Hepatitis Awareness Day Event organized by the Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago (CAAGC) and the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) at Chinatown Square in South Chinatown, Chicago. Deputy Consul General Yu Peng, Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, Chairman Wang Xingwu of Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, Midwest Asian Health Association Executive Director Liu Hong, leaders of overseas Chinese community groups from the Chicago area, and more than 300 overseas Chinese attended the event.

In his speech, Consul General Hong Lei said that over the years, Asian Americans have made significant contributions to the economic and social development of the United States as well as the harmony and stability of the community. As May is the Asian American Heritage Month, CAAGC and the MAHA organized this Asian Heritage Month celebration and the National Hepatitis Awareness Day Event to celebrate Asian heritage through artistic performances, and community services, demonstrating the unity and harmony of local Asian American communities and providing conveniences and services to the overseas Chinese. I believe today’s event will receive positive response from the community, bringing rich substance to the Asian American Heritage Month celebration.

In their speeches, Chairman Wang Xingwu of CAAGC and the Executive Director Liu Hong of MAHA said that Asian American communities are important components of the American society which have played an active role in American society. The Chinese community must cooperate effectively, presenting the best Asian culture to the broader American society, providing services to overseas Chinese, and making more contributions to the development of the community.

During the event, MAHA members and volunteers from Midwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Rush University, and Northwestern University provided health consultations and free physical examinations for overseas Chinese. The Chicago Chinese Culture and Arts Society and other community cultural groups delivered lively performances at the event.