Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Danny K. Davis

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. On January 23, 2012, we marked year 4710 of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. In my Congressional District, in the windy city of Chicago, there are well over 68,000 Chicagoans with Chinese heritage. We are very proud that Chicago boasts one of the largest populations of Chinese Americans, with the second largest Chinatown in the nation. Many of these Chicagoans reside or work in the historical neighborhood of Chinatown just south of the loop area. Chicago was one of the first cities that Chinese immigrants called home, with the first immigrants arriving during the 1870s. Since then, the Chinese community in Chicago has flourished and greatly enriched the culture and heritage of our city.

This New Year is the Year of the Dragon, the most powerful of all the animals--an animal whose power and strength are admired. The Chinese New Year is a chance for a new beginning and a chance for all of us to reflect on our blessings, such as family, friends, opportunities and cherished moments. The New Year also provides an opportunity for us to settle our disputes with loved ones and to help people less fortunate than we are. I am blessed with having many close friends within the Chinese-American community. I have shared many important moments with these friends, both in Chinatown and at my house on the West Side. Through these relationships, I have developed a profound appreciation for Chinese culture, including the Chinese New Year celebration.

I recognize the new beginning brought by the spring festival, and I wish the Chinese community in Chicago and in the United States a memorable and prosperous New Year. I look forward to celebrating the Year of the Dragon on January 29 with the annual Chinese New Year parade. Aside from this incredible celebration, there are multiple opportunities throughout the year to experience the history and culture of the Chinese-American community, be it the dragon boat races, the concerts in Ping Tom Park, or the tours of our historic China Town. I wish all a Gong Hei Fat Choy.