Program Book for “75· 45· 25 & Second Sino-US People’s Friendship Gala in Chicago”
Promoting Friendship between the Chinese and American peoples and Assisting in the Dissemination of Chinese culture
Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008, USA 第二届中美民间友好大联欢暨庆祝
2nd Sino-US People’s Friendship Gala 2024 | Celebration for the 75th Anniversary of PRC’s National Day | 45th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and U.S | 25th Anniversary of Chicago China News & Digest (CCND)
words from David Zhang- President of Chicago China News & Digest(CCND)
At this moment in time, we are gathered together to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, and the 25th anniversary of the Chicago China News & Digest (CCND).
Firstof all, we would like to express our warm welcome and sincere appreciation to all the guests who are here tonight!
Let us offer our most sincere blessings on the 75th anniversary of the founding of our Republic. Despite some challenges in Sino-US relations, non-governmental
exchanges and cooperation have always been an important factor in maintaining the friendship between the two countries.
The 1st Sino-US People’s Friendship Gala was held two years ago and has been widely praised. Many Chinese and American friends have been in close contact with us. Everyone is paying more and more attention to Sino-US nongovernmental exchanges and increasingly looking forward to healthy and stable SinoUS relations.
The CCND, for the past 25 years, has unremittingly promoted Chinese culture and built a bridge between the people of China and the
United States. Heading towards the upcoming years, CCND will continue to exert greater and wider influence on the voice of the Chinese community.
Here, I would like to express my special thanks to all the friends who have contributed to the development of the CCND. It is your efforts that make this newspaper stand strong in the changing era and become an important link between the Chinese community and mainstream society.
Looking toward the future, we are putting forth three visions:
First, we hope that SinoUS relations can be reflective
of the Chinese proverb: "After the dark willows and bright flowers, there's another village ahead." ("A new hope emerges after difficulties."), and that the tree of friendship between the Chinese and American people grows with abundance and lasts for eternity.
Second, we hope that our ancestral country can prosper and continue to make new achievements in the great journey of the new era.
Third, we hope that our overseas Chinese community will be harmonious, united and move forward hand in hand.
Thank you all for being here, and enjoy the evening!
We sincerely thank all the sponsors who generously support us, and all the overseas Chinese associations and individuals who attended our grand celebration! We believe that with your participation and support, the flowers of friendship between the Chinese and American people willalways bloom in our hearts.
主要赞助名单 Major Sponsors
聯豐集團
周氏兄弟
美亞健康協會
Horseshoe Hammond
皇家商業銀行
美國味全食品公司
新泰門窗公司
陳嘉釗先生
21世紀地產
萬通互惠理財
桃源保險
American Family Insurance
Asia Dynamics Inc. (ADI)
Chicago Expert Importers INC
Windfall Group
Zhou Brothers
Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA)
Pacific Global Bank
Wei-Chuan USA Inc.
Newtec Windows & Doors
Mr. Frank Chen
CENTURY 21 Realty Associates
MassMutual
Taos Global Group
支持协办单位 Supporting and Co-organizing Associations
科工專
美國華人聯盟
美國福建商業聯合總會
美國詩聯書畫協會
美中餐飲協會
芝加哥沖蔞同鄉會
美中文化藝術中心
芝加哥中山同鄉會
芝加哥新會同鄉會
臺山端芬中學美中校友會
華聯會
芝加哥美中客家聯合會
Association of Chinese-American Scientists and Engineers (ACSE)
United Chinese Americans (UCA)
American Fujian Business Association ( FBA)
U.S. Chinese Poetry Couplet Calligraphy
Mid-America Restaurant Associatin
Chicago ChongLou Association
US-China Cultural Association
Chicago ZhongShan Association
Chicago XinHui Association
The Duan Fen High School Alumni Association-US Midwest Chapter
Chinese American Association at Greater Chicago （CAAGC）
US-Chinese Hakka Association
比尔·盖茨：“你的财富越大，你的责任也就越大。”
"With great wealth comes great responsibility." - Bill Gates
庆祝《芝加哥华语论坛》报创刊25周年暨 第二届"中美民间友好大联欢"大会议程
Agenda
MC: Ms. Xiaojing Li and Mr. Xiao Chen
4:30-6:00pm 來寶註冊 Registration at Front Desk
5:00-6:00pm 酒會與社交活動 Cash Bar and Social Hour
中美人民友誼視頻放送 （Video showing）
介紹部分嘉賓 參觀圖片及書法展覽 免費拍照
Introduction of Guests, Exhibition Visit, Free photos
6:00pm-6:15pm 大會開幕 主持人致辭 Opening of the Gala 介紹貴賓 Introduction of the VIP guests
介紹主要贊助商和重點社團 Introductions of VI groups , including some VI sponsors
6:15pm-6:45pm
貴賓致辭 VIP Remarks
《芝加哥華語論壇》報社長張大衛致歡迎詞
Welcoming remarks by CCND President David Zhang 中國副總領事黃黎明致辭
Remarks by Deputy Consul General Mr. Huang, Liming 其他VIP代表致辭 Remarks by additional VIPs
6:45pm-7:05pm 頒獎儀式 Awards Ceremony
- 向名譽主席頒獎 Awards to Honorary Chairs
每人先放短視頻，再頒發紀念獎（華裔和非華裔代表極簡短講話）
Award Presentation（Short remarks by the Reps of Honorees ）
-向本屆獲獎者頒獎：青年組 個人組 團體組 Awards to the contributors: youth, individual and group
每組先放視頻，再分組頒貢獻獎 (全部頒獎後，華裔和非華裔代表極簡短講話)
Video and Award presentation（Short remarks by the Reps of Awardees ）
全體獲獎者與 VIP 合影 Group photos
7:05pm-7:45pm 晚宴 Dinner
Video presentation and Group photos
向贊助商代表頒獎 Award to the Major sponsors of the event
7:45pm-9:05pm 文藝演出 Cultural & Art Performances
9:05pm-9:15pm
中間安排抽獎環節 Raffle Drawing
集體頒發第二屆《中美人民友誼演出獎》
Group awarded (the Second Sino American People ' s Friendship Art Performance Award)
Hanna Chen（Event outreach ）, MD. PhD. Currently working on Department of Medicine at UI Health at University of Illinois at Chicago. Board of Member and Vice President of the CAAGC.
张立萍（展览和宣传）美中文化艺术中心常务副主席，香港国际名联美协副主席，美国诗联书画协 会副会长
Liping Zhang (Event Outreach) Vice President of Hong Kong International Masters Celebrity Association，Executive Vice President of US-China Cultural Association，Vice Chairman of U.S. Chinese Poetry Couplet Calligraphy
Anne Tong (Performance Coordinator), Master of Computer Science, Vice President and Lead Software Engineer at a financial company, has received training in performance and acting since childhood and was a professional gymnast. Passionate about art and enthusiastic as a volunteer. This time, she has choreographed a traditional Chinese fashion show to preserve and spread the beauty of Chinese culture.
Huimin Tao （Video and Sound Editing）, Huimin Tao holds Master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Biostatistics. She is passionate about dance and captivated by the charm of both Chinese and Western cultures it embodies. She has participated in the International Taoli Cup Dance Competition multiple times, winning awards in both group and solo categories. She has also been involved in organizing annual performances for a dance school, as well as producing music and videos for the events.
Maxine Leung (Protocol and Registration Desk) Former Miss Chicago Chinatown Queen & Talent.Volunteer and Member of Anti-Cruelty Society; Member of the US-China Culture Association; BrandAmbassador of Midwest Asian Health Association; Brand Ambassador of Illinois Lottery; Brand Ambassador of Park to Shop supermarket ; Brand Ambassador of Modelo beer; Encouraged women empowerment, promote Asian awareness, health, mental well-being, and fitness.
工作组 Working Group
音響與舞臺
Masters of Ceremony (MC)
李曉靜 陳瀟
Xiaojing Li Xiao Chen 主持人
文藝演出
Art Performance
陳育蘭 美國華人科學家工程師專業人士協會副會長
Yulan Chen Vice President at Association of ChineseAmerican Scientists and Engineers
大芝加哥地區浙江大學校友會常務副會長
Executive Vice Presidentof Zhejiang University Alumni Association of Great Chicago
The Dongfang Dance Group was founded in 2005. The group has had professional instructors and an excellent group of performers, who have been actively participating in cultural events both in and out of the Chinese American community.
The Chicago Chinese Culture & Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting Chinese cultural arts throughout Chicagoland. Through various art forms, our group showcases this rich cultural heritageto diverse audiences.
NanArts Dance Studio was founded in 2023. Teacher Yao Nan graduated from Beijing Dance Academy, majoring in performance and education. Nanyi Dance provides professional dance teaching and methods to make your body and appearance better.
Dance Queen Q focuses on original choreography and teaches dance to both children and adults. The school has achieved first-place results multiple times in dance competitions in the United States and has secured a Top 12 position with original choreography at the International Ballet Competition YAGP.
Wu Zhi Lin Performing Arts Association focuses on promoting and spreading Chinese traditional dances. Under the guidance of the Artistic Director Jin Lin, Wu Zhi Lin has produced numerous dance masterpieces.
Intercultural Montessori Language School is dedicated to combining Montessori education with language immersion, teaching students from ages 2 to 8th grade. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, child-centered environment where students can explore and learn.
Yin He Dance: Through our programs - a professional dance company and a school of dance - we hope to build new avenues of cultural dialogue and most importantly, share the joy of dance with all communities. Learn more at www.yinhedance.org.
安童表演队 Antong Performing Team
這是一群傳承美，創造美和傳播美的演員們。這次與美國舞蹈學校Pure Vibe Dance Center 合作， 將在舞臺上展示莊重的漢服，典雅的清朝旗服，流行已久的馬面裙，和婀娜的 旗袍等中國傳統服裝。
This is a group of performers who inherit, create, and spread beauty. This time, in collaboration with the American dance school Pure Vibe Dance Center, they will showcase on stage the dignified Hanfu, the elegant Qing Dynasty Qifu, thelong-popular Horse-face skirt, and the graceful Qipao, and other traditional Chinese clothes.
陈米范 Anna Chen
范青 Qing Fan
華裔壯族歌手，美華慈善機構/亞裔兒童才藝聯盟以及國際音樂學院創始人。
2023年海外中國好聲音洛杉磯總冠軍。
Anna Chen: Founding Chairman of the American Chinese Charity Organization、Founder of Asian Children's Talent Alliance and International Music Academy；2015/San Francisco QiPao Queen；2018/San Francisco International Vocal Competition Ethnic Category Champion.
Dr Qing Fan, a virologist who loves singing, has been actively performing in Chicago and other cities in US. He was invited and performed in CCTV's second Folk Song Festival in 2017.
Huimin Tao, an amateur dancer, loves the charm of Chinese and Western cultures. She has won awards in group and solo categories at the International Taoli Cup and various global competitions.
Zhou Lingyu is the champion of the first “SAIC Voice of China” in 2022, the winner of the “Chicago Karaoke King” in 2022, and the champion of the Chicago regional competition of “The Voice of China” in 2023.
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Memorial Award
Eddie Ni is an international, multilingual executive with well over 35 years of business experience within the US, Canada and China. Eddie Ni is the Chairman and CEO of Windfall Group. Windfall has a multifarious
business portfolio ranging from real estate investment and development, financial sector, building material, import/export, and many more. Pacifica Square is one of Windfall Group’s successful developments,
an Asian centric lifestyle center that offers unique, local, and authentic Asian flavored businesses & professional services at the current phase. Eddie Ni currently serves at the Honorary President of
American Fujian Business Association, Chairman of Board of Chicago ChamberChinatown of Commerce, Chairman of Ohio Chinese Park, Chairman of Global Friendship Foundation.
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Memorial Award
Jan Zheng is Chair of the Board for the Chicago Chinese American Association at Greater Chicago (CAAGC).
CAAGC is a non-profit, membership organization with over 140 member associations serving Chinese Americans in the greater Chicago area. Her mission is to promote cultural, educational, and economic opportunities for the Chinese Americans, and promote linkages and friendships among different communities in the great
Chicago area. With a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Jan has worked at top 500 companies for more than two decades. Jan is a recipient of “Outstanding Woman Award” by Congressman Danny Davis of the Seventh District of Illinois; “Mayor's Award of Excellence” by City of Aurora Mayor Irvin.“1999-2019RicardChinese Community Outstanding Person Award" for the 20th Anniversary of Chicago China News & Digest;
“Outstanding Leaders" by Mandarin Leader in North America. Jan Zheng was also recognized by City of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot during May AAHPI month in 2022 for her contribution to the promotion developmentandof the city’s diverse cultures. In May 2023, Jan was the recipient of 12th Global Community Oscars Lincoln Service Award of Excellence presented by Congressman Danny Davis CongressmanandBill Foster,
州Aurora市政府頒發的”市 長卓越獎” （Mayor’s Award of Excellence）； 2019年獲得美國國會議員 丹尼戴維斯頒發的“傑出女性 獎”；《芝加哥華語論 壇》“1999-2019華人社區 傑出人物”獎； 北美 Mandarin Leader《名都領 袖》領袖人物； 美中時報評 選爲”美中建交40年40位領 軍僑領”等。
and Congressman Jonathan Jackson. In July 2024, Jan was the Civic Leadership Award winner from the 2024 Chinese American Convention presented by United Chinese Americans (UCA), a nationwide non-profit and nonpartisan federation of organizations and individuals dedicated to empowering Chinese American communities through civic participation, political engagement, heritage sharing, and youth development for the well- being of all Americans.
遺産規劃法律服務，她每年
Ms. Saichang Xu is a well-respected solo attorney in Chinatown,Chicago an active supporter of community affairs, and an outstanding community leader. Through her real estate and estate planning practice, she impacts the lives of hundreds each year, and she further extends her influence by advocating for the underprivileged and taking on leadershipcommunity roles, inspiring care for the interests of Chinese Americans and the promotingunderrepresented, heritage and fostering a spirit of public
Ms. Xu is pro bono legal counsel for several community organizations, including the Chinese American Association at Greater Chicago, the Association of Chinese American Scientists and Engineers, Chinese schools, Bigheart – Asian Family Volunteer Center and Puremind Tea Culture NFP. She also holds key leadership roles in multiple organizations, such as President of the United Chinese Americans (UCA) Illinois Chapter, Board Chair of the Greater Chicago
Zhejiang University Alumni Association, Vice President of the American Zhu Kezhen Education Foundation.
As President of the UCA Illinois, Ms. Xu has championed in promoting community development, civic engagement and heritage sharing. She led UCA’s 2024 Jiaozi Fest, a Lunar New Year celebration, to the west suburbs, bringing together over 1,000 attendees, showcasing cultural rituals and traditions, promoting community inclusion. As a parent and former acting board chair in Northwest
Xilin Chinese School, Ms. Xu brought the school and UCA together to initiate a free civic education program in Chinese open to the public. Believing in the power of collaboration, Ms. Xu stated while receiving the 13th Annual U.S. Congressional Civic Engagement Award from American Multi Ethnic Commission, “By working together, we are building a better, truly community.”inclusive Ms. Xu’s tireless contributions and impactful actions make her not only a role model but also an inspiration for uniting and uplifting our community.
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Memorial Award
劉紅博士是美亞健康協 會（美亞）的創始人及現任 行政主任。該會是位于芝加
Dr. Hong Liu is the founding member and Executive Director of the Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), a nonprofit community-based organization with a mission to improvethehealthandwellbeing of the medically underserved populations in the Midwest.
Dan Stein is the Chairman of Central Bancshares Inc., a $1.5 billion bank holding company with operations throughout Eastern Iowa, West and Northwestern Western Illinois. He is also the owner and President of Young Bros. Stamp Works, an industrial tool manufacturing company, and Term-Lok Inc., a manufacturer of HVAC and refrigeration components. Dan currentlyserves as
Dr. Liu came to the U.S. in 1988 as a graduate student. She received her master’s degree in Political Science, and Ph.D. in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Liu is a wellrecognized community leader long dedicated
to advocating and improving the health of the minority and immigrant populations. The health programs she developed and directed at MAHA have reached and benefited hundreds and thousands of immigrants and refugees and other populations. Dr. Liu is very active in public health and is serving on several government advisory councils representing the Asian American communities. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of the Asian American community in the Midwest.
丹·斯泰恩-名誉主席
遍及愛荷華州東部、西部和 伊利諾伊州西北部。他還是 工業工具制造公司Young Bros. Stamp Works和暖通 空調和制冷部件制造商Term Lok Inc.的所有者和總裁。
Dan擔任Foresight Financial Group，Inc.， Merrill Hotel & Conference Center，JT Cullen Inc.，Trinity Quad Cities，Unity Point Health hospital system附屬公司 和Greater Muscastine社區 基金會的董事。
自2013年以來，Dan在 美國和亞洲之間進行了廣泛 的旅行，以支持商業
Dan Stein-Honorary Chairman
the Chairman of the Muscatine-China Initiatives Committee and the Sarah D. Lande Friendship Education Fund and is a leader in the Muscatine community focusing on relations with the People's Republic of China for business, education and cultural exchanges. Dan serves as a Director of Foresight Financial Group, Inc., the Merrill Hotel & Conference Center, JT Cullen Inc., Trinity-Quad
Cities, a UnityPoint Health hospital system affiliate and The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. Since 2013, Dan has traveled extensively between the US and Asia to support business development initiatives and trade opportunities. Dan has a vast network of both government and private industry contacts throughout China. In addition to consulting work on behalf of companies and clients,
Dan has direct investments in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia spanning the import-export, hotel and restaurant, financial services and consumer goods industries. Dan is a graduate of Iowa State University with degreesin Finance and Accounting and has previously obtained both the CPA and CFA designations. His prior work experience includes KPMG, LaSalle Bank/Bank of America and CBI Bank & Trust.
United Chinese Americans (UCA), with 12 chapters nationwide, is one of the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan Chinese American organizations, dedicated to civic empowerment, youth development, heritage sharing and fostering better understanding between the U.S. and China. In its recent Chinese American Convention in Washington DC, over 600 participants from more than 30 states came together to address key issues facing
the fast-growing Chinese American communities, and over 50 teams visited 281 congressional offices, advocating for critical legislation and issues impacting Chinese Americans.
In 2017, a group of strong civic advocates and volunteers, who had shown remarkable leadership in supporting State Representative Theresa Mah and the establishment of UCA, founded UCA Illinois. Since its inception, UCA Illinois, partnering with various local groups, has launched impactful initiatives to promote civic responsibilities among Chinese Americans, foster community coalitions, and build bridges with other
ethnic groups through local and national educational, cultural, and service programs. In 2017. UCA IL hosted its first parenting conference, “Asian Parent, American Child,” and since then, former President Lili Chen has elevated the issue of youth mental health to a national level, forming the UCA WAVE (Wellness, Advocacy, Voices, Education, and Support) program with various nationwide training and support sub-programs. Programs like the government internship, led by former President Ren Li, and the Senior Health Insurance Program, led by Sandy Hui, have been widely praised. When the shadow of hate crimes loomed over our community and the "China Initiative" veered off track, unfairly targeting Chinese scientists, UCA Illinois invited FBI agents to discuss the situations and ways to
overcome the challenges. UCA's renowned Jiaozi Fest brings the community together, expanding Lunar New Year celebrations to suburban neighborhoods and promoting Chicagoland’s diversity. The 2024 Jiaozi Fest attracted support from over 30 entities and 1,000 attendees at Benedictine University in Aurora. UCA IL’s recent Nonprofit Organization Potluck Party and ongoing civic education classesat Northwest Xilin Chinese School have received positive feedback. As a dynamic and emerging organization, UCA Illinois, with support from experienced board members andadvisors, has actively engaged in community events. Its team has shown inspirational leadership in community empowerment, coalition building, and cultural heritage sharing.
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Award
Some members of the Puremind Tea Culture NFP: Front line, left to right: Jingjing Bao, Lin Li; Back line, left to right: Zhifeng Liao, Yunhui Shuai, Youlin Wu, Xiang Zhou. The other team members include Saichang Xu, Yuan Zhou, Linda, Cassie, Heater Wang, and Hai'ou, who are not in the photo.
Puremind Tea Culture NFP: Promoting Sino-American Friendship Through Tea
Puremind Tea Culture Center, founded in 2023, has participated in over a dozen cultural events involving more than 5,000 attendees. The center actively engages in community events and largescale celebrations, using tea as a cultural bridge between China and the U.S. Through tea tastings, tea art demonstrations, and tea ceremony lessons, participants gain a deeper understanding of each other's cultures and lifestyles, fostering mutual trust and respect. In October 2023, the center participated in the Mid-Autumn Festival at Hinsdale Public Library, drawing about 500 attendees. The tea culture presentation and performances were highly praised, with the
village chief calling it “stunning.” In February 2024, the center was part of the Spring Festival Gala at Ray Chinese School, an event attended by around 1,000 people. Local officials and attendees were impressed by the intricacies of Chinese tea culture. After introducing tea to Naperville Mayor Wehrli, the mayor tasted the tea and expressed admiration, encouraging the center to join more cultural exchange
In February 2024, the center also hosted a Chinese New Year Tea Culture Experience at Naperville North Central College, where international students learned about the depth and beauty of Chinese tea culture. In May 2024, the center participated in the Asian Cultural Festival at Tai Gu Plaza in Chicago’s suburbs, attracting around 1,500 guests who were particularly impressed by the Jasmine Dragon Pearl tea. Many attendees expressed interest in more tea culture exchanges. Later in May, at the “I Love Chinatown” Asian Cultural Festival, around 2,000 participants enjoyed tea art demonstrations and tastings, helping foster cultural exchange within the community. In June 2024, the center
showcased Chinese tea culture through tea etiquette performances at the Mei Hua Charity Gala, attended by over 1,000 people. A woman in red commented, "I discovered Chinese tea a few years ago and have been deeply captivated ever since. The taste is simply wonderful!" Tea has facilitated smoother communication between the peoples of China and the U.S. The exchange of tea culture not only allows both nations to appreciate unique art forms but also serves as a bridge for cultural integration.Puremind Tea Culture Center is committed to being a lasting bridge of friendship between China and the U.S., continuing to contribute to Sino-American cultural exchange and understanding.
The Puremind Tea Culture NFP is introducing Chinese tea to world people.
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Award
he Chicago Philharmonic is re-imagining the orchestra concert experience through culturally diverse, genrebending programs breaking barriers of exclusion in orchestral music. With nearly 200 musician members, diverse and trailblazing leadership, and a deeply collaborative artistic model, we are one of the most versatile, innovative, and ambitious orchestras in the country. The Chicago Philharmonic presents 30+ concerts annually and year-
round, featuring diverse musicians and drawing new-to-thesymphony audiences. Our audiences are 200,000+ strong, and our community engagement programs
reach 6,000 students and participants annually. We work closely with the city’s Black, Chinese, Japanese, Puerto Rican, Jewish, Mexican, and Polish communities, and while our audiences travel internationally and nationally for our programs, the majority are Chicagoans and represent 44 of the city’s 60 zip codes. The Chicago Philharmonic proudly collaborates with the greatest artists of our time, in every genre. Past collaborations have included
The Joffrey Ballet, English National Ballet, Kishi Bashi, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joshua Bell, Tank and the Bangas, William Basinski, the American Ballet Theatre, Ryan Speedo Green, and more. Learn more at chicagophil.org. In 2023, the Chicago Philharmonic performed a concert dedicated to the music of Chinese American composer Tan Dun, featuring the U.S. Premiere of Tan Dun's Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra as well as the Crouching Tiger Cello Suite. Board Chairman Tom Manning, who worked in Asia and mostly China for 20 years, and Board Director Feng Xue began making connections with ChineseChicago businesses and leaders.
The Chicago Philharmonic also partnered with dozens of local Chinese-American organizations to present the inaugural Chinese New Year in February 2024, celebrating the Year ofthe Dragon. Over 1,300 families packed the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for the free concert as the orchestra, led by Maestro Scott Speck, performed with Chicago Philharmonic cellist Mara McClain and pipa virtuoso Yang Wei.
Honorees of 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Award
Zhou Brothers - "Art Ambassadors" for Sino-American Friendship
年9月 ，周氏兄弟参加国庆招待会与王保东总领事交谈。 In September 2024, the Zhou Brothers attended the reception of National Day celebration and talked with Consul General Wang，Baodong.
The Zhou Brothers (Zhou Shanzuo and Zhou Dahuang) are among the most important contemporary artists in the world today. Through their unique collaborative artistic process, they have created profound and impactful works that have made extraordinary contributions to modern art in
the late 20th century, capturing the world's attention.
The Zhou Brothers have worked together seamlessly for over 50 years, creating a legendary history in art and the American Dream. Internationally, they have received numerous awards, including the Gold Award at the 69th American Exhibition of Contemporary Art in 1987, the Helen Foundation Award— Germany's highest international modern art prize —in 1995, and the Lincoln Gold Medal in 2006. The Zhou Brothers Art Center,
founded by them in Chicago in 2003 and Kansas City in 2024, is recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record for its role in transforming communities and the world through art.
For nearly 40 years, the Zhou Brothers, artists straddling both Eastern and Western cultures, have been dedicated to cultural exchanges between the U.S. and China. In recognition of their contributions to the Western art world, the Zhou
Brothers were twice invited by the White House and former President Barack Obama to create "national gifts" for two Chinese Presidents. They have thus become "art ambassadors" for SinoAmerican friendship and great-power diplomacy.
To the Zhou Brothers: Thank you for the inspired painting we presented to President Hu！”-Barack Obama
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US People’s Friendship Award
Ms. Limin Wang is a Chinese teacher at Niles North High School, the sponsor of the Chinese Club, and the President of the Midwest Chinese
Language Teachers Association for 2024-25.
Throughout nearly 20 years of teaching, she has been dedicated to promoting Chinese culture and fostering crosscultural exchanges between students from China and the United States.
王老師多年來爲搭建中美民間 交往橋梁，爲加強中美教育交 流合作做出了積極的努力和 貢獻。
In January 2019, under Ms. Wang’s guidance, her students wrote a letter in Chinese to President Xi Jinping and received a reply from him. This event garnered significant attention and widespread coverage from major media outlets, including Xinhua News Agency, China Daily, Global Times, and the
Chicago China News & Digest. In April of the same year, with Ms. Wang’s efforts, Niles North High School formed a sisterschool partnership with Fuzhou No. 1 High School, a prestigious institution in Fujian Province, and Ms. Wang’s alma mater. In April 2022, she organized a virtual celebration for Fuzhou No. 1 High School in honor of its 205th anniversary. She again organized a virtual student exchange in October to participate in the Fuzhou school's concert. During these events, students from both countries interacted online, furthering the bonds of friendship between Chinese and American students.
In the summer of 2024, Ms. Wang led nearly 50 students to participate in the
U.S. Youth Exchange Program in China, where they engaged in a series of cultural exchange activities with Chinese students. This event was widely reported by major Chinese media, including CCTV, China Daily, People’s Daily, and Hebei Television, etc.
The younger generation is the future of Sino-American friendship, and this trip planted a seed of friendship and cross-cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and connection between Chinese and American students.
Over the years, Ms. Wang has made tireless efforts and contributions to building bridges of people-to-people exchange and strengthening educational cooperation between China and the United States.
In July 2024, Ms. Wang led students to climb the Great Wall in Beijing, China.
In July 2024, Ms. Wang led students to participate in a cycling event along the Central Axis of Beijing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Honorees of the 2024 Sino-US Youth’s Friendship Award
Angela Tam- a young dancer dedicated to spreading Chinese culture through the Yin He Dance Troupe
上图：2021年10月，谭晓薇领导的银河舞蹈团在芝加哥市中心演出后与观众 交流。
In October 2021, the Yin He dance troupe, led by Ms. Angela Tam, was in downtown Chicago and communicates with the audience after a performance.
Angela Tam is the founding Artistic Director of Yin He Dance, a Chicago based Chinese dance organization. She is a dancer, choreographer, and teaching artist. She is devoted to sharing her love of Chinese dance as a performer and educator.
A Chicago native, Angela began dancing as a child under Qiu Yue Jin. Since then, Angela has studied Chinese
dance under Margaret Yuen and Grant Zhuang, among others. She has also received instruction in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. She received her BA in East Asian Studies from New York University.
Angela has performed as a featured soloist at Chicago's citywide Chinese New Year events and at venues such as Navy Pier, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Logan Center for the Arts, Links Hall, and of course in Chicago Chinatown. She is a multi-year recipient of the Ethnic & Folk Arts Master Apprentice Grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, most recently in 2024.
In addition to performing, Angela also leads Yin He Dance Company where she choreographs new Chinese dance works as well as restages notable dances. The company produces performances that often include live musical accompaniment from musicians on Chinese instruments and bilingual narration. Her most recent creation is “Ocean View.” She is most proud of restaging 放 风筝 “Flying Kites” which was originally choreographed in 1953 and taught to her in 2000. She is very happy to have introduced this dance to the next generation of Chinese dancers.
Angela also instructs students of all ages from an absolute beginner level to professionals. Since 2018, she has hosted a summer dance intensive where young dancers receive free,
pre-professional level training in Chinese dance. 100% of the participants have been 2nd generation Chinese Americans. Some of her trainees have gone on to become professional dancers and dance teachers. She is proud to be able to share her culture with people of all backgrounds here in Chicago.
图：Ashlee Rezin
Tam with Yin He Dance in "My Hometown is the Northeast" Photo by Ashlee Rezin.
and his wife Eva attend many festivals such as the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the community.
Xiao Chen-Financial talent who actively promotes Sino US youth exchanges
Xiao Chen, CFP® is actively involved in various leadership roles. He serves as an Executive Director of the Chinese American Association at Greater Chicago, Vice President of Hunan Association of the Midwest USA,, and a board member of the US-China Restaurant Alliance. He has been featured in Mandarin Leader magazine and was invited to participate in China’s "Outstanding Overseas Youth
Program." In 2020, he was named Illinois' Young Advisor of the Year by NAIFA.
Xiao immigrated to the U.S. at age 12, becoming a “1.5 generation” Chinese American. Living in Oklahoma City in the early years, he quickly adapted to theAmerican culture. His passion for cultural exchange grew during high school and college. In Indianapolis, he cofounded the GTBA Basketball League, which started with Chinese and Asian playersbut expanded to include all ethnicities, even attracting professional athletes. Postgame gatherings at Chinese restaurants helped introduce
participants to Chinese culture.
In addition to community work, Xiao has been an active performer, having been placed in numerous national and international singing competitions. He’s a staple in the local Chinese community’s performance events and also regularly sings the U.S. national anthem at significant events. Being the only ChineseAmerican coach at Hinsdale Inferno basketball club, Xiao’s goal is to form an all-Chinese youth basketball team to play in the local AAU circuit.
In finance,
Xiao’s expertise is wellrecognized, earning him the title of Illinois' Best Young Advisor in 2020. He also brings visibility to the Chinese communityas a core backgroundactor on NBC’s Chicago P.D. He continues to strive to strengthen cultural ties between China and the U.S. through both his professional and artistic endeavors.
中美⼈⺠攜⼿� 共創光輝未來
热烈祝贺
中华人民共和国国庆75周年
中美建交45周年
《芝加哥华语论坛》报25周年
海納百川 萬里共歡
中美人民 心手相牽
The Chinese and American people hold hands together
