Back to All Events

MOCA TALKS – Reclaiming the Spotlight: The Life and Legacy of Anna May Wong

  • Museum of Chinese in America 215 Centre Street New York, NY, 10013 United States (map)

Watch a replay of the event on YouTube: Part 1 & Part 2

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) cordially invites you to a captivating evening dedicated to the legendary Anna May Wong, Hollywood’s first Asian American star, whose luminous journey shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations. This event brings together three distinguished authors, Graham Russell Gao Hodges, Yunte Huang, and Katie Gee Salisbury, each of whom has chronicled the remarkable life of Anna May Wong in their books.

Graham Russell Gao Hodges’ Anna May Wong: From Laundryman’s Daughter to Hollywood Legend (2023) illustrates the epic tale of Wong’s rise to stardom amidst the challenges posed by prevailing prejudices. Hodges captures Wong’s prolific career, her iconic roles alongside Hollywood royalty, and her tenacious spirit in the face of discrimination, providing a comprehensive overview of her impact on film and American culture.

Yunte Huang, in Daughter of the Dragon: Anna May Wong’s Rendezvous with American History (2023), offers a profound re-examination of Wong’s legacy within the tumultuous currents of twentieth-century history. Huang traces Wong’s journey from the streets of Chinatown to the global stage, highlighting her encounters with luminaries and her relentless fight against the racial and sexist stereotypes in Hollywood.

Katie Gee Salisbury, in Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong (2024), paints a vivid picture of Wong’s legacy against the glittering backdrop of the Jazz Age and the burgeoning Hollywood. Salisbury celebrates Wong’s ascent from a humble family laundry business to becoming a symbol of grace, who not only captivated audiences worldwide but also unapologetically challenged Hollywood’s racist caricatures.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the vibrant life and enduring legacy of Anna May Wong, whose brilliance and determination continue to inspire and resonate across generations.

Previous
Previous
March 28

Book Talk at Book Passage

Next
Next
May 1

Not Your China Doll: Art Inspired by Anna May Wong