Asian American Art & Culture Initiative

08/29/2026

Can you imagine our ancestors worked in this land under the cruelest heat and sun in Texas?

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

American

08/03/2026

We finally visited Calvert, Texas—the town where Chinese immigrants first arrived in Lone Star State history.

The town’s liveliest stretch consists of a single Main Street lined with about twenty storefronts, the oldest bearing a timestamp of 1877. According to locals, the area still retains its 19th-century look and feel. Yet, as time marches on, things change and people come and go—it's hard to imagine that a town once home to over 2,000 residents has shrunk to just over 900 today.

Guided by Charles Prince and his daughter Shannon—descendants of Lee Chopp, one of the earliest Chinese settlers in Texas—a group of five of us set out to visit Sheryl Chopp, Lee Chopp’s great-granddaughter.

What is the story behind this brave and respected Chinese pioneer? Stay tuned for the upcoming exhibition, Roots Unveiled coming in Jan 2027.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July!!! Jayden went putting out flags as his civil service

07/03/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Mr. William Miller.

William has been an integral part of the AAACI family since our very beginning, serving with dedication, passion, and vision as our Art Advisor. His profound expertise and appreciation for the arts shaped much of our journey, and his presence will be deeply missed across our community.

Beyond his invaluable professional contributions, William was a cherished confidant and a truly great friend to June, as well as to many of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and everyone touched by his kindness and wisdom.

06/26/2026

AAACI on the go this Thursday! 🚗📚

We hit the road for Austin at 6:00 AM and didn’t make it back home until 10:00 PM—but every minute was worth it.

In one day, we visited three archival centers and attended two productive meetings, all in support of preserving and sharing Asian American history.

We are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and generous support from Joe Fung Shing’s descendants and the Travis County Archives staff. Their encouragement reminds us why this work matters.

We’re excited to continue expanding the scope of our projects, building new partnerships, and reaching even more communities. Onward! ❤️

06/26/2026

AAACI on the go this Thursday! 🚗📚

We hit the road for Austin at 6:00 AM and didn’t make it back home until 10:00 PM—but every minute was worth it.

In one day, we visited three archival centers and attended two productive meetings, all in support of preserving and sharing Asian American history.

We are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and generous support from Joe Fung Shing’s descendants and the Travis County Archives staff. Their encouragement reminds us why this work matters.

We’re excited to continue expanding the scope of our projects, building new partnerships, and reaching even more communities. Onward! ❤️

05/20/2026

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGuL5Bos0lAD7jGb9Um6M3-lubroFHGyq

In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, AAPI Heritage Month, and the 100th anniversary of the passing of early Chinese Texan pioneer Joe Lung, AAACI (Asian American Art & Culture Initiative) and Honest History Magazine are proud to launch a new children’s history blog series written by UK-based educator and curator Sylvia (Xuhua) Zhan.

The series introduces young readers to the overlooked stories of early Chinese Texans through accessible storytelling designed for families, classrooms, and community learning.

Parents, teachers, and anyone interested in Chinese American history are warmly encouraged to share and support the project.

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

05/14/2026

Lee Chopp was one of the first 250 Chinese Railroad Workers employed to build Houston and Texas Central Railroads. He stayed and was married to Martha Jane, a formerly enslaved woman, and formed a well respected family in Calvert TX