Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association

History of the Association

During the 1800s, there were many Chinese individuals who lived in the San Francisco area. These immigrants were from distinct regions of China, with their own dialects, customs, and beliefs. District associations emerged, in which individuals from the same region could meet to retain their cultural heritage and assist each other in adaptation to U.S. life. Within their communities, these associations engaged in activities to help their members, including offering financial assistance and dispute resolution. They also worked with citizens outside their communities to foster respect for Chinese residents and workers and to build positive social relationships.

By the 1850s, there were six prominent regional associations: Hip Kat, Hop Wo, Ning Yuen, Sam Yup, See Yup, and Yueng Wo. In 1854, these groups merged to form a single association known as the Six Companies. This association was created in order to unify efforts to represent the interests of Chinese individuals. A seventh organization, Sue Hing Benevolent Association, emerged in the 1870s and later joined with the Six Companies. At this point, the name was changed to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA).

Since the first CCBA was formed in San Francisco, several other regional organizations were created. These organizations typically formed in urban areas (e.g., Boston, Seattle) to which large numbers of Chinese individuals migrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. CCBAs were established in cities such as Los Angeles in the 1880s, but were not founded in cities such as Washington, D.C., until the 1940s. Currently, there are CCBAs in a variety of states, such as California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Community Services of the CCBA

Although CCBA regional organizations vary in their history, governance. and services, they do share common principles. More specifically, these organizations focus on provision of educational, leisure, health, and social services; preservation of Chinese culture and customs; provision of [Page 500]charitable aid and support; advocacy and facilitation of individuals’ involvement with U.S. systems (e.g., employment, law, transportation); support of human dignity; and advancement of positive relationships between Chinese communities and other communities. These values highlight the benevolent intent of these associations. Similar to the early years of CCBAs, there is an effort to balance bicultural issues (e.g., retention of Chinese culture) with adaptation to U.S. life in the 21st century.

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