Assembly Resolution No. 232

BY: M. of A. Rozic

MOURNING the death of Peter Kwong, distinguished
citizen and pioneering journalist, documentary
filmmaker, and scholar of Asian American studies,
urban affairs, and sociology

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
the people of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kwong, a Taiwanese American and former professor at
the City University of New York Graduate Center and Hunter College,
passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Peter Kwong was born in Chungking, China, but built his
career in the United States as a journalist, documentary filmmaker, and
scholar of Asian American studies, urban affairs, and sociology; and

WHEREAS, As a documentary filmmaker, Peter Kwong created the Emmy
award-winning documentary, "Third Avenue: Only the Strong Survive" and
the Academy award-nominated documentary, "China's Unnatural Disaster:
The Tears of Sichuan Province"; and

WHEREAS, As a journalist, Peter Kwong wrote for a variety of
esteemed publications including The Nation, the International Herald
Tribune, the Globe and Mail, the Village Voice and City Limits; and

WHEREAS, As a scholar, Peter Kwong authored many books including
Chinese America: The Untold Story of America's Oldest New Community,
Forbidden Workers: Chinese Illegal Immigrants and American Labor, The
New Chinatown, and Chinatown, New York: Labor and Politics, 1930-1950;
and

WHEREAS, Peter Kwong also co-authored many books with his wife,
historian Dusanka Miscevic, including Chinese Americans: An Immigrant
Experience and Chinese America: The Untold Story of America's Oldest New
Community; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a fierce intellectual curiosity toward
showcasing the diversity and nuances of the Asian immigrant and Asian
American experiences, Peter Kwong leaves behind a legacy that will
remain a source of inspiration and knowledge to all he befriended,
educated, and mentored; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Peter Kwong, distinguished individual, passionate
scholar, and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family, friends, colleagues, and students of Peter
Kwong.