The Beginning of a New Year Brings Renewal: The 2025 CAFA Spring Banquet in North Carolina

As the spring season unfolds in North Carolina, nature awakens, and the landscape flourishes with vibrant energy. On March 1, 2025, the Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina (CAFA), in collaboration with the Chinese-American Economic and Cultural Association (CAECA), hosted the grand Golden Snake Lunar New Year Spring Banquet at the McKimmon Center of North Carolina State University in Raleigh (1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606).

The event welcomed over 500 distinguished guests, setting a new participation record for North Carolina's Chinese community. Among the attendees were members of Congress, representatives of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of State, state legislators, mayors, city council members, and prominent leaders from the Chinese community and various sectors. The banquet featured 62 tables, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The event was hosted in bilingual English and Chinese by Moxuan Zhu and Winney Wu.

From Washington, D.C., Minister Counselor Xiaofeng Wang, Secretary Kunpeng Qian, and Secretary Lei Liu from the Chinese Embassy in the United States traveled to Raleigh for the event. Campbell University's Executive Vice President John Robinson and his wife Wendy Robinson, along with Professor Qiao and Director of International Programs Guy Armstrong, were among the invited guests. The CAECA leadership team made a significant contribution, securing 11 tables for the event. Notable attendees included CAECA's founding chairman Gaorong Wei, Chairman Zhiwen Niu, Vice Chairmen Xinli Xing, Sundong Jiang, Xiuyu Liu, Xiuting Ke, CAECA President Meng Li, Vice President Lisa Huang, and board members Ping Ren, Haibin Yang, Ming Zhao, Changyi Lu, Rubin Nan, Zhijun Wang, Fang Wang, Kelly Zhou, Robin Zhang, Zheng Wang, Ping Ren, as well as senior advisors and event coordinators, totaling nearly 90 participants.

At 6:00 PM, the banquet officially commenced with a thrilling performance by the Triangle Area Chinese Youth Drum Team, igniting the festive spirit of the evening. Six large traditional red dragon-patterned drums were placed center stage, played by six young performers dressed in Hanfu, their rhythmic beats filling the hall with energy and excitement. The evening continued with a moving rendition of the U.S. national anthem led by Ebya Jia, a young girl from Charlotte, whose clear and powerful voice resonated throughout the venue.

Welcoming Remarks and Distinguished Guest Speeches

The evening's first speech was delivered by CAFA President Yulin Jiang, who warmly welcomed all attendees. She expressed her gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and performers whose dedication made the event possible. She emphasized that despite initial weather-related delays, the successful gathering reflected the strength and unity of the Chinese community. She also thanked the state and local government representatives for their ongoing support, highlighting the importance of embracing cultural diversity.

Jiang noted that the Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, resilience, and transformation, encouraging everyone to face challenges with optimism and determination. She reaffirmed CAFA's commitment to acting as a bridge between communities, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering a brighter future.

A stunning Lion Dance performance, presented by two representatives from the Guangdong Association, followed Jiang's speech. With its origins tracing back to the Han Dynasty, lion dancing became a celebrated art form during the Tang Dynasty, often featured in imperial banquets. Today, it remains an integral part of overseas Chinese New Year celebrations, blending martial arts, dance, and music. The performance captivated the audience, earning enthusiastic applause.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross:

Congresswoman Deborah Ross praised CAFA's ongoing efforts to promote Chinese culture and community connections in North Carolina. She highlighted the significance of cultural exchange and commended CAFA's work in fostering cross-community relationships. She assured the audience of her commitment to advocating for the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, particularly in her role on the Judiciary Committee’s Immigration Subcommittee. She reaffirmed her dedication to upholding American values of inclusivity and opportunity for all, urging the Chinese community to reach out for support whenever needed.

Lieutenant Governor Rachael Hunt:

Making her first appearance at the banquet, Lieutenant Governor Rachael Hunt delivered a lively and engaging speech, humorously stating that she couldn’t wait to return next year wearing red. She acknowledged the significant contributions of the Chinese community in North Carolina and emphasized how cultural diversity strengthens the state. She noted that the Year of the Snake symbolizes renewal and forward movement, and she expressed her commitment to supporting the Asian-American community.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall:

North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall greeted the audience in Chinese with a cheerful “你好!” (Hello!) and reflected on her over two decades of participation in CAFA’s events. She highlighted the growing influence of the Chinese community in North Carolina's economic and academic sectors, emphasizing that international relationships begin with cultural exchange and person-to-person diplomacy. She encouraged the audience to seize opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue, strengthening the ties between North Carolina and China.

Minister Counselor Xiaofeng Wang – Chinese Embassy in the U.S.:

Representing the Chinese Embassy, Minister Counselor Xiaofeng Wang extended New Year greetings and emphasized that Lunar New Year is now recognized as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. He noted that despite challenges in U.S.-China relations, the two nations share common interests and opportunities for cooperation. He encouraged the Chinese-American community to serve as a bridge for understanding and friendship, fostering positive engagement between both nations.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's Message:

Although North Carolina Governor Josh Stein could not attend in person, his Senior External Relations Advisor Cristina Espana delivered his official letter of congratulations. The Governor highlighted the importance of Lunar New Year celebrations in enriching cultural diversity and commended CAFA for its contributions to the state's economy and social fabric. He expressed gratitude for CAECA's dedication to strengthening the Chinese-American community, emphasizing that the 61,000 Chinese-Americans in North Carolina play a crucial role in the state's growth.

Cristina Espana also shared a heartfelt personal story about growing up with Chinese friends, expressing her long-time admiration for the community and her desire to learn Chinese.

Cultural Performances and Awards Ceremony

Following the speeches, the banquet continued with an exquisite dinner, featuring a variety of delicious dishes including chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp, salads, and fine wines. A slideshow of CAFA's past year's events was presented on the big screen, celebrating community milestones.

A series of spectacular performances followed, including:

       • CAECA's theatrical play “Old Shanghai Memories,” portraying Shanghai's golden era with a mix of drama, dance, and music.

       • Traditional Chinese martial arts demonstrations by the North Carolina Martial Arts Team, showcasing dynamic and precise techniques.

       • Classical dance “Spring Courtyard Dream” by the North Carolina Youth Arts Ensemble.

       • Guqin solo “Three Variations of Plum Blossom” by Jennifer Chang, a mesmerizing performance blending tradition and artistry.

The banquet concluded with a prestigious awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding community contributors who have dedicated 15+ years of service. Honorees received awards for selfless contributions, outstanding service, and silent dedication. Distinguished guests, including Lieutenant Governor Rachael Hunt, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and representatives from the Chinese Embassy, presented the awards, celebrating the achievements of North Carolina's Chinese community.