Nancy Wong was born in 1969 in Minnesota and became a Baha'i through a childhood friend. Her parents had emigrated to the United States from Hong Kong; in the US, they opened a Chinese restaurant and worked hard to raise their family in a new country. Nancy first became aware of race in America on occasions when customers made racist comments to her parents. Today she works as a photographer and a youth worker – often combining the two as she serves her community in Chicago.
1.Born in the Midwest – and in the Far East
My parents were sometimes told to go back where they came from – I would always try to defend my parents.
2.Turning anger into search
My interest in social issues and injustice was my soul searching for answers and the truth.
3.Unity in diversity
Nature understands it – there’s so much diversity just in plant life but it all works together.
4.Facing up to a legacy of entitlement
I was impressed when Baha'i friends from European backgrounds weren’t afraid to acknowledge their own slave-owner ancestors.
5.A realization at Wounded Knee
Race unity dances weren’t enough – I saw that we have to help communities deal with the problems they’re facing.