Chinese Diaspora in Rural New Mexico
A World War II era photograph of four young men standing on the sidewalk in front of a house on the corner of Sixth and Texas Street in Silver City, NM. Left to Right – Hom Hong, Yolk T Lew, Sin T Lew, and an unidentified man.
Unit Lessons
- In 1874, Charlie Sun moved to Silver City, becoming its first Chinese resident. While Chinese New Mexicans became a valued part of the community in Silver City, they were not always welcomed by other members of their community. Read some newspaper articles from the late 19th and early 20th centurie talking about the experiences of the Chinese residents of Silver City, and examine some other sources which describe their lives and place in the community. Imagine you are sending a message to a Chinese resident of Silver City in the year 1886 who is unsure if they should stay or leave. Write to them explaining why you believe they should stay in Silver City or why they should try moving to another town. Consider their economic opportunities as well as the social dynamics of living in Silver City. Discuss your position with a partner.
- Place yourself in the shoes of a Chinese New Mexican celebrating the Chinese New Year in the year 1905. Write a diary entry talking about why you moved here, what work you do now, and what your day was like including who attended the celebration. Then, consider how your family celebrates holidays. Discuss how traditions change over time due to the availability of resources.
- Review documents about the lives of Ah Nue and Wah Sing, who were residents of White Oaks, New Mexico in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and create biographies about them using art and writing. After, compare your version of their lives to the story of Ah Nue’s life as given in a published biography of White Oaks citizens.
- Read the documents on the Territory of New Mexico v. Yee Shun court case and discuss how taking an oath based on a particular religion to testify in court relates to the concept of separation of church and state.