Lincoln Park’s Gilbert Gong Director honored by Alameda County Board of Supervisors

Photo credit: Alameda County

On May 14th, 2024, Lincoln Square Park’s Director Gilbert Gong was honored by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as the part of the county’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month celebration. Congratulations Gilbert for this well deserved commendation!

You can watch Supervisor Lena Tam’s presentation (text below) and Gilbert’s remarks online here. In accepting the honor, Gilbert graciously thanked his family and everyone who has supported the park and Oakland Chinatown community.

Alameda County announcement

The County of Alameda Board of Supervisors proclaimed May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This year's theme, "Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future," honors AANHPI ancestors and encourages us to celebrate diversity, culture, and build bridges for a brighter tomorrow! Let's forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward.

This year, District 3 recognized Gilbert Gong, who continuously sought to build bridges between generations by implementing programs that bring residents of all ages together, from preschoolers, youth, parents, to elders, in an environment of mutual respect, learning, and appreciation.

Gilbert Gong’s work exemplifies the phrase, “It takes a Village,” in organizing community-based non-profits, service clubs, civic organizations, the City, the County, as well as sports organizations, to create the inclusive environment that has made Lincoln Square the heart of the Chinatown community.

Gilbert Gong has led community efforts to update the center and has helped secure a $9.5M grant from the CA Department of Food and Agriculture, which will expand the center’s services and equip it with advanced emergency preparedness. Multiple generations of children have benefited from Gilbert Gong’s stewardship of Lincoln Square programs and vision toward building and strengthening community ties.

The County of Alameda Board of Supervisors recognized Gilbert Gong for his inspirational four decades of work in maintaining and building community, caring for seniors, and teaching the next generation of community leaders.

Full text of the resolution

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future - May 2024 - Recognizing Gilbert Gong

WHEREAS, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors declares May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Alameda County; and in alignment with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center; and

WHEREAS, the WHIAANPI and Smithsonian APA Center’s joint theme is “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.” It is an homage to our ancestors and invites all Americans to delve into the legacies, triumphs, and challenges that have shaped Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities. It embodies the spirit of our collective journey – one rooted in resilience and hope – and encourages us to forge intergenerational connections to honor our past and pave a durable path forward; and

WHEREAS, this year’s joint theme, “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future,” mirrors Gilbert Gong’s 40+ years of dedicated service to Oakland Chinatown’s Lincoln Square Park and Recreation Center which, in the 1860’s was designated as one of Oakland’s original public squares; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert Gong has continuously sought to build bridges between the generations, by implementing programs that bring residents of all ages, from preschoolers, youth, parents, and the elders together in an environment of mutual respect, learning, and appreciation; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert Gong’s work exemplifies the phrase, “It takes a Village,” in organizing community-based nonprofits, service clubs, and civic organizations, the City and the County, as well as sports organizations to create the inclusive environment that has made Lincoln Square the heart of the Chinatown community; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert Gong has led community efforts to update the center and has helped secure a $9.5M grant for the CA Department of Food and Agriculture which will expand the center’s services and will be equipped with advanced emergency preparedness; and

WHEREAS, multiple generations of children have benefited from Gilbert Gong’s stewardship of Lincoln Square programs and vision towards building and strengthening community ties; and

THEREFORE, this Board of Supervisors, County of Alameda, State of California does hereby proclaim May 2024 as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Alameda County and recognizes Gilbert Gong, for his inspirational 4 decades of work in maintaining and building community while caring for the seniors and teaching the next generation of community leaders.