Media Advisory: New Mural Honors Enduring Legacy of Chinese Heritage in Oakland Chinatown (OCT 17)

For Immediate Release

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

New Mural Honors Enduring Legacy of Chinese Heritage in Oakland Chinatown

Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center and Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce celebrate 73 years of cultural preservation, language education, and community heritage through public art.

WHAT

OAKLAND, CA – The Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center (SFCCC), in partnership with the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC), will celebrate the unveiling of Enduring Legacy, a new community mural created by local Chinese American artist Tsui Xiao Rui (Sorell Raino-Tsui) of ABG Art Group.

The mural honors the Center's 73-year legacy of preserving Chinese language, culture, and heritage in Oakland Chinatown. Established in 1953, SFCCC has served generations of families through Cantonese and Mandarin language education, cultural programs, and youth activities, remaining an important institution in preserving the neighborhood's cultural identity.

In partnership with SFCCC, OCCC supported raising funds to repaint the school, revitalize the surrounding corner, and bring new life and color to Chinatown. This project was made possible through generous contributions and major funding support from Kaiser Permanente, the California Arts Council, and numerous community donors and supporters. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to preserving Oakland Chinatown's cultural heritage, supporting community institutions, and revitalizing the neighborhood through public art.

The event will feature remarks from electeds and community leaders, recognition of the artist and project partners, and a mural unveiling ceremony.

WHEN

• Date: Saturday October 17, 2026
• Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM

WHERE

• Location: Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center
• Address: 316 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607

WHO (Subject to Change)

• Jones Wu, Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center Board President
• Stephanie Tran, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Board President
• Barbara Lee, City of Oakland Mayor
• Charlene Wang, City of Oakland District 2 Councilmember
• Lys Luke, Oakland Cultural Affairs Manager & CA Arts Council
• Alameda County Supervisor Lena Tam Representative 
• California State Assemblymember Mia Bonta Representative

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Interviews with participating elected officials and community partners, SFCCC leadership and Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce leadership

• Official mural unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony
• Artist interviews about the mural's inspiration and cultural significance
• Photos and video of the mural, students, families, and community celebration
• Perspectives on cultural preservation, public art, and neighborhood revitalization

QUOTES

“Legacy is about more than just preserving our history; it’s about what we leave for future generations. For more than 70 years, our Center has been a place of education, connection, and belonging, carrying forward founder Joe Shoong’s vision of a place built by and for our community. This mural brings that history onto the streets of Oakland Chinatown, honoring those who came before us while reaffirming our commitment to those who will follow.” -Jones Wu, Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center Board President

“Public art plays an important role in bringing life and character to our commercial corridors. In Oakland Chinatown, our cultural heritage is part of what makes this neighborhood so special, and projects like this mural allow us to honor that history while investing in its future. For generations, institutions like the Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center have helped shape the identity of Chinatown alongside our small businesses. This mural is more than a beautification project. It is a celebration of our community's enduring legacy, a tribute to those who came before us, and a way to ensure that our history and heritage remain visible for generations to come.” -Stephanie Tran, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Board President

About Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) was established in 1985 by a group of local business professionals to promote and advocate for business and trade in the Asian community. Today, OCCC represents over 300 members in a wide range of businesses industries in Oakland Chinatown and the Bay Area. For more information, please visit OaklandChinatownChamber.org.

About Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center

Established in 1953, the Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center (SFCCC) is dedicated to preserving and sharing Chinese language, culture, and heritage through education. As one of the pioneering Chinese language schools in the United States, the Center has spent more than 70 years helping students develop Chinese language skills, connect with their cultural roots, and build an appreciation for Chinese traditions. Through its educational programs, the Center nurtures the next generation while strengthening cultural understanding and preserving Chinese heritage for generations to come. For more information, please visit shoongccc.org/