A US Congresswoman is requesting a stamp to honor the 12,000 Chinese immigrants who built America’s Transcontinental Railroad.
According to QNS, US Congresswoman Grace Meng is requesting a stamp to honor Chinese immigrant Transcontinental Railroad workers.
From 1865-1869, an estimated 12,000 Chinese immigrant laborers helped to build America’s Transcontinental Railroad.
In a letter to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, Meng recommended a commemorative postage stamp ahead of the 150th anniversary of the railroad’s completion on 10 May.
“Almost 150 years ago, thousands of Chinese railroad workers, through their sweat, blood, and labor, made enormous contributions to our country by bridging together the east and west coasts of our nation,” said Meng.
“It is important for us to commemorate their efforts, and recognize their stories, so that their role in America’s history is not forgotten. These workers endured both the arduous physical labor of constructing a railroad and the emotional trauma of being discriminated. I am thankful for all they did to help the United States grow and prosper and for the important mark they left in the Asian American community. It’s time to award them with this long overdue recognition.”
Meng, who represents New York’s 6th congressional district, has been working on the approval of the stamp since 2014.
“These early laborers are significant to the Asian American community for their pioneering work at a time of constant racism and discrimination that eventually opened doors for future generations,” Meng said in her letter.
A petition started by the US-Asia Institute in support of the stamp ahs accumulated over 7,000 supporters.
“Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. Accordingly, it is critical to recognize the significance of the Chinese railroad workers and share their stories by embedding them into a part of our daily life,” said Meng.
Meng has also requested a meeting with Postmaster General Megan Brennan to discuss the issue further.
Last year, Meng criticized Mayor de Blasio’s plan to scrap admissions tests in New York’s eight prestigious public high schools.
