Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation

10/29/2025

Kansas City Jazz in China!

A jazz quartet led by Bobby Watson brought the sounds of Kansas City to China this month! Invited by the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, the group traveled from October 10–19 as part of the Kansas City delegation to the 20th Edgar Snow Symposium in Zhengzhou, China.

Joining Bobby were Charles Williams (piano), James Ward (bass), and Jaylen Ward (drums). Together, they performed and shared the story of American jazz — its rhythm, soul, and history — with audiences across Beijing, Zhengzhou, and Shanghai.

Highlights of the trip:
• Performed at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing (Oct. 10)
• Gave a concert and exchange at the Henan School of Music during the Edgar Snow Symposium (Oct. 13)
• Led a jazz master class at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (Oct. 16)
• Performed at the Super Bund Music Festival in Shanghai (Oct. 18)

Reflecting on the tour, Bobby Watson said: “The trip was very rewarding — to share jazz music, its art form, and its history with audiences in China. We’ve built meaningful relationships with musicians and conservatories, and we’re already talking about future exchanges and collaborations.”

10/27/2025

The 20th Edgar Snow Symposium was held in Zhengzhou, China, from October 12–14, 2025.

The Kansas City delegation included Board President Sidne Ward, Vice President Zhuang Li, Board Members Ray Wang and Allan Gray, Dr. Ahmed T. Abdelmoity (Pediatric Epileptologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital), jazz musicians Bobby Watson, Charles Williams, James Ward, and Jaylen Ward, as well as community members David Jiang and Hilda Gray. Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw delivered her remarks at the opening ceremony via video.

The Edgar Snow Symposium serves as a forum for international scholars, artists, civic leaders, educators, and business professionals from the United States and China to exchange ideas and foster mutual understanding. It celebrates Edgar Snow’s enduring legacy and his lifelong commitment to strengthening friendship between the peoples of both nations.

During the symposium, Kansas City delegates participated in the opening ceremony, contributed to panel discussions, and conducted exchange visits at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the College of Physical Education of Zhengzhou University, and Zhengzhou Sias University.

Kansas City’s jazz musicians also performed at a jazz concert hosted by the Henan School of Music, followed by an engaging post-concert exchange with faculty, students, and audience members.

The 20th Edgar Snow Symposium highlighted the continued importance of cultural exchange and collaboration, advancing the spirit of understanding and friendship that Edgar Snow so deeply championed.

10/18/2025

Congratulations to our long-time Vice President, John Phillips, receiving the 2025 World Citizen Award from the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City. More details: https://www.una-kc.org/about-5

For over three decades, John has devoted his time, talents, and personal resources – entirely as a volunteer—to advancing international understanding, cultural awareness, and community betterment in the greater Kansas City area and beyond. John’s commitment to global engagement is far-reachin....

04/26/2024

We are a proud sponsor of the annual Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival. The festival promotes cultural diversity in the the Kansas City area and foster friendship among people with diverse backgrounds.

Please join us on June 15 to cheer for the racing teams, enjoy dance and martial art performance, grab lunch or an ice cone from the food trucks, and do some hands-on crafts.

For more information: http://www.chinagardensociety-kc.org/DragonBoat.htm

Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival

11/15/2023

President Dwayne Williams embarked on a visit to Shanghai, Xi’an, and Yan’an from October 31 to November 8, 2023, as part of the Kansas City delegation, led by Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw.

During their visit, the group actively participated in the 5th China-US Sister Cities Conference in Suzhou, China. In addition to attending the conference, they engaged in vital discussions aimed at fortifying the amicable relationships between Kansas City and these Chinese cities. These discussions included meetings with the mayors of Xi’an and Yan’an, along with representatives from people-to-people friendship organizations in Shanghai and Shaanxi Province, where Xi’an and Yan’an, sister cities of Kansas City, are situated.

Exploring potential exchange programs, the delegation visited local businesses, cultural centers, and renowned tourist attractions, showcasing a commitment to fostering cultural, educational, and economic ties between these cities.

09/23/2023

The joint jazz concert, organized by Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Shanghai Lincoln Jazz Center, was live-streamed online on September 19, 2023.

Dwayne Williams, President of Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, stated that the joint concert demonstrates that people in the US and China have more in common than differences, and that we are willing and able to understand each other and work together.

Fu Jihong, Vice President of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, stated, "Whether in Shanghai or Kansas City, both cities carry the dreams and hopes of the people living in them. No matter where we are, we can maintain an open and inclusive attitude, appreciate and learn from the culture and charm of different cities, and build more bridges of understanding, friendship, and cooperation between the people of the two countries. This is also the spirit of Edgar Snow in the new era."

Musicians from the two cities recorded their performance separately, which was then edited into a program interspersed with scenes of culture, sports, urban landscapes, cuisine, and the everyday lives of residents in both Kansas City and Shanghai.

The link to the concert: https://m.youku.com/mid_video/id_XNTk2NTQxNTk0NA==.html?sharefrom=iphone&scene=long&playMode=pugv&sharekey=061f3b0c54769a15219994392887c30e5

09/18/2023

Mark your calendars for this Tuesday, September 19, 2023, as the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation and the Shanghai Chinese People's Friendship Association come together to present their first-ever Virtual Jazz Concert! 🎶

🌐 Where: Online, live from the Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum
🕖 When: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (CST)
📱 How to watch: Via WeChat - Join us live in the Blue Room or from the comfort of your home!

Prepare to be enchanted by a sensational lineup of jazz artists from both Kansas City and Shanghai, featuring the likes of Bobby Watson, Gerald Dunn, Lonnie McFadden, Lisa Henry, Will Mathews, Charles Williams, and the brilliant Shanghai artist Kefu Liu, among many others. 🎺

Arrive early at 7:00 AM and enjoy light breakfast refreshments in the atrium, followed by a special greeting from U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver before we kick off the concert at 7:30 AM !

Can't make it in person? No problem! Access the live feed via WeChat by following these simple steps:

(1) Download the WeChat app at your Apple or Android App Store. Then create an account in the WeChat app.
(Skip this step if you’ve already had the WeChat app and had your WeChat ID.)
(2) In the WeChat app, add joanpujoanpu as your new contact.
If you don’t know how to add a new contact, email your WeChat ID to [email protected]. We will connect you in WeChat. You need to accept the connection.
(3) You will be added to the WeChat viewing group. A live-stream link will be posted in the group which you will click to view.

Bridging China and the United States.

Peoples of the U.S. and China have a closer relationship and understanding of each other because of Edgar Snow.

09/14/2023

Representatives of Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation (ESMF) met with China Consul General in Chicago

President Dwayne Williams, Vice President Jan Armstrong, Treasurer Joan Pu met with Consul General Zhao Jian and Deputy Consul General Huang Liming in Chicago on August 22, 2023.

Consul General Zhao commended highly of ESMF’s long-term contributions to enhancing mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the people of China and the United States. He stated that the work of ESMF has been doing is very important in the current world where there is much mis-information and misleading information about China.

President Williams reflected his experiences with the ESMF and China, and how he became the first African American president of the foundation. He stated that Edgar Snow devoted his life to enhancing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and China and promoting friendly relations between the two countries. Establishing and maintaining people-to-people relationships is vital for a cooperative and friendly world.

06/09/2023

Jackson County Legislature Declared “Dragon Boat Festival Day” and Recognized Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation as Festival Partner

The County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, declared June 10, 2023, as “Dragon Boat Festival Day” in Jackson County.

Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation was among the partners of the Dragon Boat Festival that received the recognition for its dedication and tireless work in fostering the cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and people-to-people friendship. The annual Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival has been organized by the Society for Friendship with China since 2005.

The Legislature encourages all residents to participate in the festivities, appreciate cultural exchanges, and embrace the spirit of unity, friendship, and harmony exemplified by the Dragon Boat Festival.

Teresa Chien (President of the Society for Friendship and Board Director of Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation), Jan Armstrong (Vice President), and Joan Pu (Treasurer and Board Director) attended the legislature meeting to accept the resolution on June 6, 2023.

06/07/2023

Kansas City International Dragon Boat Festival is this coming Saturday, June 10, from 10AM to approximately 2:30PM.

Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation is a sponsor of the event. We embrace cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and people-to-people friendship.

11/16/2022

Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation co-hosted a symposium on Nov. 15 Central Time (Nov. 16 Beijing Time) to commemorate Edgar Snow’s passing 50 years ago.

President Dwayne Williams said in his speech, “We also celebrate the life of Mr. Snow. We celebrate 85 years history of all the relationships that have been created and many trips to China and America.”

He said, “There are many days I often wonder what Mao and Snow conversation would look like in the year 2022. I would hope that topics would include love, peace, hope, understanding, and kindness. I do believe love conquers all fears and hatred.”

The other co-hosts of the symposium are China Association for the Study of International Friends, Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and China Center for Edgar Snow Studies. About 60 people from both sides of the Pacific Ocean participated in the symposium, including about 10 board members of Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation.

Dwayne said the Edgar Snow Foundation is looking forward to working with all our friends in China in areas of relationship with China’s people; arts and culture, including music; sports; and academy, including the Snow Scholar Program and medical exchanges.

10/14/2022

Congratulations on Jan Armstrong receiving the World Citizen Award!

United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City