Gathering – Page 5 – 华府青年 CYOC

31 Years of Tradition: The Black Hill Barbecue Uniting the Greater DMV Community

By: Peishi Yu

Since 1993, the Black Hill Barbecue held in Black Hill Regional Park, Maryland has been a staple of the Chinese Alumni Associates of Greater Washington (CAAGW) for 31 years. It’s an important event where people in the Greater DMV area can come together to enjoy food, marvel at live performances, and bond with others. Every year, more than 70 alumni of the CAAGW come to this event, and this year is no different. This year on May 12, the park was as lively as could be with many events.

融融春日、浓浓友情

—记2024年度大专联千人野餐烧烤聚会

作者: Jennifer Zhang

2024年5月12日，大专联千人野餐烧烤聚会在黑山公园、在春日融融的星期天拉开帷幕。我们华府青年的小义工们作为这次活动准备的主力军，纷纷报名，踊跃参与了这次的聚会活动。

华府青年俱乐部-青年人的主场

记2023年华府青年年会

作者：Jennifer Zhang

窗外白雪皑皑，寒风凛冽，窗内暖意融融，欢声笑语。2024年1月21日下午，在热烈而温馨的气氛下，2023年度华府青年年会顺利召开。

庆祝大专联成立三十周年文艺演出成功举办，华府青年义工表现出色

郑佳静

在二零二三年九月九日举行了大华府地区中国大专院校校友会联合会（大专联）在马里兰州Winston Churchill High School举行庆祝成立三十周年的文艺演出。庆祝多年来对华府地区和全国带来的影响，并且做到了大度宣传中国文化。邀请到了多位政府代表者，马里兰州州长，国会参议员Van Hollen和州审计官 Brooke Lierman代表。州参议员林立图，州首席行政法法官Chung Pak, 州长亚裔办公室主任王佩莲和马里兰韩裔主席兼州亚裔委员Hyun-Sook Choi。

黄天燕摄影

My Experience with the “Grand Performance Celebrating the 30th Anniversary for the Establishment of the Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington (CAAGW)”

Jaylynne Yang 9/09/23

On Saturday, August 9, I attended a celebration of the 30th anniversary of CAAGW, which is an nonprofit organization that promotes friendship among the Chinese community and with others. There were so many unique performances performed by people of all ages; from choirs to all kinds of dances, it was a truly spectacular show. All the shows were able to showcase Chinese culture and I felt really good being able to connect with my culture and see the many talents of people in my community.I volunteered to help with the organization of the event to make it run smoothly. My friend Jennifer W. and I stood at the entrance directing people to the stage/seating area. So many people came in to watch the performance or be a part of the performance, so it was a very lively night. It was also interesting to see the detailed costumes worn by the performers. The volunteers here made this event possible by helping to move objects backstage and cleaning up. In return, we were able to enjoy a spectacular show!I am so grateful for being able to help out in this community of friends and family. Sitting in the audience listening to the dancing and singing made me want to sing too! I would also like to mention without the parents who contributed their efforts, this special event couldn’t have happened. I am looking forward to the next event from CAAGW!

CAAGW’s 30th Anniversary: Celebrating Community and Progress

By: Peishi Yu

On September 9, 2023, the Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington (CAAGW) held a 30th anniversary party. This marked a significant milestone in CAAGW’s mission to foster an inclusive community.

Established in 1993, the CAAGW has become a non-profit organization composed of 78 colleges and university alum associations. This has made CAAGW into the echelons of distinction as one of the largest and most influential Chinese associations in the DMV area. The CAAGW not only serves the Chinese community, but also supports all communities unwaveringly. These 30 years have been nothing short of glorious for the CAAGW and all of its associates.

(Photo Taken by Peishi Yu)

华盛顿中国文化节2023

Author: Sophie Xu
Photographer: Sophie Xu

2023年九月二号，一年一度的华盛顿中国文化节在DC隆重开幕了。具有中国特色的美食，传统文化项目以及特色纪念品在这里齐聚一堂，来自世界各地的表演队伍在文化节的大舞台上载歌载舞，共同庆祝这个特别的日子。经过主办方，参展者以及包括CYOC在内志愿者的精心布置，各展位很快的装扮一新，华盛顿文化节的旗帜开始迎风飘扬，期待已久的文化节在歌声中开始迎接宾客的到来。

My Experience at the Chinese Cultural Festival

By Iris Li

Growing up as a Chinese-American, I always felt a bit out of place with my heritage. Not knowing the language well and feeling awkward with my appearance and food was a common struggle, and I always felt like I was too different from the Chinese kids that lived in China and were familiar with their culture. I remember the days in elementary school where I would be slightly embarrassed about my home packed lunch. While I had noodles and dumplings, the other kids had lunchables. I envied them and wished deep down that I could fit in like the rest. As I grew older and moved around to different places with my family, I could slowly feel the Chinese roots disappearing away from me. I no longer had home packed lunches, my Chinese soon got worse and I noticed myself speaking English more. As a child, I didn’t mind it much, but as a teenager now I wish I had learned Chinese and appreciated my culture.

On 3rd and 4th Street……

By Michael Li

It was a sultry afternoon on Penn Ave. Tents were assembled side to side on the asphalt road, hanging colorful flags and showing off vibrant signs. Not a single car passed through that street; at least not for the duration of such a special occasion. T’was the day of the Chinese Cultural Festival at the heart of Washington DC. T’was also the day for volunteers at their own tent, ready to attract passerby living in DC and outside tourists alike.

CYOC and the Giant Flag at the National Independence Day Parade

By: Peishi Yu

This year is America’s 247th birthday, and the July 4th parade is nothing but extraordinary. This annual event takes place on Constitution Avenue, one of Washington DC’s most vibrant and bustling streets.

(Photo By Dechun Feng)