The Chinese American Museum honors the legacy of legendary movie star Anna May Wong and leaders past and present as it presents the 27^th Annual Historymakers Awards Gala.

The theme, “Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Led the Way,” set the tone for the Museum’s signature event attended by over 600 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in downtown Los Angeles.

McCourt Partners, one of the most visionary and community-driven real estate development firms in the country, and longtime supporter of the Chinese American Museum, has returned for the second year as the Event Sponsor.

“Our headquarters are in LA’s historic Chinatown, so we experience firsthand the neighborhood’s rich history and recognize the importance of its preservation,” said Jordan Lang, President of McCourt Partners. “And as a family-owned company dating back to the 1880s, we understand the lasting and profound impact of those who lead the way. The extraordinary leadership and contributions of this year’s honorees will no doubt inspire a legacy of giving back that will resonate for generations to come.”

Also returning to the Gala leadership are former Historymaker honorees Dr. Carl Moy and Mrs. Linda Moy, who serve as Honorary Dinner Chairs. Both are first generation Chinese and Taiwanese immigrants who together founded the United Charity Foundation as a way of supporting the city’s growth in the areas of health, arts, education, and community initiatives. Dr. Moy is an esteemed healthcare professional, and Linda Moy is a successful entrepreneur.

Members of the Friends of the Chinese American Museum board Larry Jung and Mei Wah Lau are this year’s Event Co-Chairs. Ms. Lau is a past Historymaker awardee and serves as Vice President and Branch Manager of East West Bank in Chinatown. Jung is FCAM’s First Vice Chair and a longtime sponsor of the Gala.

“This year’s theme reflects the need to strengthen our call for unity as we build upon the lessons of the past with future generations in mind. We are excited to gather in person once again with our friends and supporters with a renewed commitment to our mission. Through their work and volunteerism, this year’s honorees exemplify the values that continue to move our community forward,” commented Dr. Gay Yuen, Board Chair of the Friends of the Chinese American Museum.

Honorees include:

Pam Chen, News and Media Impact Award – Ms. Chen is a vice president with KABC Eyewitness News and the first Asian American to lead a news department at a network-owned station in Los Angeles. Under her leadership, the station has garnered multiple awards and continues to maintain high journalistic standards in broadcast news.

Dayton Ong, Community Pioneer Award – Mr. Ong immigrated with his family to the United States from Vietnam. As he grew up, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Wing Hop Fung herb and tea store (WHF) in Chinatown. Today, WHF operates in several locations throughout Southern California.

Nathan Wang, Musical Warrior Award – From a child prodigy to musical innovator, Mr. Wang is one of the most prolific and versatile Chinese American composers in the U.S. and Asia. Winner of numerous film, music, and stage awards, including multiple Emmys and seven Drama-Logue awards, Mr. Wang currently creates new works to introduce the hidden history of the Chinese in America to international audiences.

Anna May Wong, Dr. Dan S. Louie Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award – The late Anna May Wong remains an iconic figure in the world of motion pictures and television as the world’s first Chinese American movie star. In 2022, she became the first Asian American woman to be depicted on U.S. currency.

Champions for the Congressional Gold Medal, Veterans of Southern California, American Spirit Award – Four high-ranking officers in the United States military will receive this award for their participation in presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Chinese American veterans who fought for freedom and have been recognized with one of the nation’s highest honors. The officers are Robert G. F. Lee, Major General, U.S. Army (ret); K.K. Chin, Major General, U.S. Army (ret); Darryll D.M. Wong, Major General, U.S. Air Force (ret); and Alma Mei Oi Lau Grocki, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (ret).

Chinatown Service Center, Judge Ronald S.W. Lew Visionary Award – The Chinatown Service Center is the largest provider of health and human services to the Chinese American community. CSC reflects the dream and vision of one of its most fervent founders, Judge Ronald S.W. Lew. Established in 1971, the Center today offers services at six (6) locations and two (2) mobile units, serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

Dorothy Hall Tamashiro, President’s Award – During the Gala, Dr. Yuen will pay tribute posthumously to Dorothy Hall Tamashiro, who passed earlier this year. Dorothy will be remembered with the President’s Award. She joined the board after retiring in 2002 as a fiscal systems specialist with the City of Los Angeles. For several years, Dorothy oversaw the Gala’s operation.

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