Ginny Gong

I believe the American dream is a dream for all Americans. As someone who literally went from ironing board to corporate board, many would think that I am the embodiment of the American Dream. However, I struggle and work everyday to eliminate stereotypes, bigotry, and systemic discrimination that exists toward countless immigrants and ethnic communities, for whom the American Dream may seem unattainable. The Dreams Across America Tour is my continued effort to shed light on the lives of the oppressed and silenced in this country.

My name is Ginny Gong, a 59-year-old naturalized citizen of the US, Vice Chair of the Advisory Board for the Universities of MD at Shady Grove, and first Chair of the Governor’s Asian American Advisory Commission for the state of Maryland.

My father came to this country as a “paper son,” as one of countless people who entered the United States through the purchase of identity papers established by American citizens of Chinese descent after the San Francisco fire destroyed all immigration-related documents. As a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 that barred the Chinese from entering the U.S., many chose this strategy as a means of entering. My family soon joined my father in the United States in 1954. Together the family operated a Chinese hand laundry and my dad worked double duty as a waiter in a Chinese restaurant. Poverty and stereotyping were a part of our daily lives. While growing up in such an environment, I came to develop a passion in the area of social justice and equality.

I decided to take part in this tour because I believe that I represent a unique generation of immigrants with "the mind of someone born in the U.S. but the heart of an immigrant.” I can navigate and function in this society with savvy and sophistication, but the immigrant part of me will always be the core of who I am. I hope to shed light on the very important, but often overlooked fact that the dreams of immigrants are no different from those born in the United States. People who meet me or listen to me are often surprised to learn that I am an immigrant, but as an immigrant, I have made substantial contributions to this country both at a professional and personal level. This I believe is true of countless immigrants residing in this country.

In early December, I will be a grandmother. This is truly a special moment in my life and I look forward to sharing our stories of sacrifice, love, and dreams with him or her. It is my hope that I will be able to introduce my grandchild to a world that is free from prejudice and discrimination, a world where we reach across communities to help realize all our dreams.