9 – Citizens Alliance

Chinese American Citizens Alliance

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance, formerly known as the Native Sons of the Golden State, was founded in 1895 in San Francisco as a fraternal benevolent organization.  In 1912, the Los Angeles Lodge was established to further help address the needs of Chinese Americans and their growing communities in California.[1]  In 1915, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance established itself as a nationwide organization and changed its name in 1927 to its current namesake.  Los Angeles Lodge president Peter Soohoo was at the forefront of establishing New Chinatown in the 1930’s, and the Chinese American Citizens Alliance has been at the heart of the community ever since.  It has helped many immigrants through the American citizenship process, developed community culture with annual events and support of youth, and gained recognition for Chinese Americans in the context of the Los Angeles community.[2]

[1] Ling, Susie. “Our Legacy: History of Chinese Americans in Southern California.” In Bridging the Centuries. United States of America: East West Discovery Press, 2001. 15-16.
[2] “History of Los Angeles: Nearly a Century of Service and Commitment.” Chinese American Citizens Alliance Los Angeles Lodge. http://www.cacala.org/history (accessed October 8, 2010).