In the 1980s, for instance, a grassroots movement sprang in response to environmental issues and the lack of youth programs in Chinatown. The Chinese Progressive Association, led by the Mar brothers, Gordon and Eric, fought for neighborhood programs such as recycling and leadership training for young people. Chinese Americans also spearheaded the opposition to a city consent decree that virtually ensures racial quotas in some San Francisco high schools. It was tough before because the Chinese community has been mainly an immigrant community. But now, a sizable number are U.S. citizens.
Political activism is an old idea.
But we didn't know how to do it. We came to this country, we worked hard. Sometimes we felt there was something wrong, but didn't know what to do. Finally, we figured it out. If we vote, we can make a difference.