Anna May Wong & the China Relief Fund

by Emma Sampson-Green

In the annals of Hollywood history, only a few actors have managed to transcend racial barriers and achieve international fame. One such trailblazer was Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American actress to impact the big screen during the 20th century significantly. Beyond her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, Wong was also a fervent advocate for the China Relief Fund. This charitable endeavor aimed to provide aid and support to China during World War II, using her fame to support this critical humanitarian cause during a tumultuous historical period. In this article, we will delve into the life of Anna May Wong and her remarkable efforts in supporting the China Relief Fund.

Born on January 3, 1905, in Los Angeles, California, as Wong Liu Tsong, Anna May Wong's journey to stardom was inspiring. In the early 1910s, at the tender age of 17, she made her screen debut and swiftly garnered attention for her exceptional acting abilities. However, Hollywood's prevailing racial prejudices placed Asian actors into stereotypical and often demeaning roles. Despite these barriers, Wong's determination and talent were unstoppable, and she began to land leading roles in films that allowed her to showcase her versatility and skill. Her performances in "The Toll of the Sea" (1922) and "Piccadilly" (1929) were particularly noteworthy, as they defied racial stereotypes and demonstrated her capability as a talented actress.
Throughout her career, Anna May Wong faced relentless racial discrimination, a pervasive issue in the entertainment industry at that time. Despite her undeniable talent and potential, Wong often found herself typecast as a "dragon lady" or a subservient character, limiting her opportunities to portray complex and empowering roles. Nevertheless, she remained resolute in her pursuit of breaking these stereotypes, not just for her own benefit but for future generations of Asian actors. Her tenacity and refusal to be confined by societal expectations laid the groundwork for a more diverse and inclusive Hollywood.
In 1937, China was thrust into the midst of the Second Sino-Japanese War, a devastating conflict that lasted until 1945. The Japanese invasion of China resulted in unimaginable suffering for Chinese civilians, facing violence, displacement, and widespread humanitarian crises. In response to this dire situation, various relief organizations, including the China Relief Fund, sprang into action to provide much-needed aid to the affected population.
Anna May Wong's passion for her ancestral homeland and her desire to alleviate the suffering of her fellow countrymen fueled her commitment to the China Relief Fund. Throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s, she actively participated in numerous fundraising events and campaigns to raise awareness and funds for the cause. One notable event was the "United China Relief Night" held at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1939. Wong, alongside other prominent celebrities, lent her star power to this event, delivering impassioned speeches that urged the public to support the relief efforts.
Anna May Wong's involvement with the China Relief Fund made a tangible difference in the lives of countless Chinese civilians impacted by the war. Her contributions, along with those of other activists and philanthropists, helped provide essential aid, such as food, medical supplies, and shelter, to those in need. Wong's dedication to humanitarian causes went beyond financial support; her visibility as a prominent actress brought international attention to the plight of China during a time when the world needed to come together to support those in crisis.
Anna May Wong's life journey exemplifies the triumph of talent and resilience over adversity and prejudice. As a pioneering Chinese-American actress in Hollywood, she defied stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Asian actors to find their place in the entertainment industry. Moreover, her unwavering dedication to the China Relief Fund during the Second Sino-Japanese War demonstrated her commitment to using her platform for humanitarian causes. Anna May Wong's legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of compassion, advocacy, and the indelible impact one person can make in times of crisis.


Bibliography
Alexander, Kerri Lee. Biography: Anna May Wong, www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/anna-may-wong. Accessed August 19 2023. 
 "Anna May Wong: The Legacy of a Groundbreaking Asian American Star." The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, October 19 2022, www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/19/anna-may-wong-hollywood-legacy-us-currency. 
Boomer, Lee. "Life Story: Anna May Wong, 1905–1961." Women & the American Story, February 7 2023, wams.nyhistory.org/confidence-and-crises/jazz-age/anna-may-wong/. 
Gow, William. "A Night in Old Chinatown: American Orientalism, China Relief Fundraising, and the 1938 Moon Festival in Los Angeles." Pacific Historical Review, vol. 87, no. 3, 2018, pp. 439–72. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26504174. Accessed August 20 2023.
"Second Sino-Japanese War." Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, inc., August 8 2023, www.britannica.com/event/Second-Sino-Japanese-War. 
Sun, Rebecca. "Gemma Chan, Nina Yang Bongiovi Developing Anna May Wong Biopic with Working Title Films (Exclusive)." The Hollywood Reporter, The Hollywood Reporter, March 25 2022, www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/anna-may-wong-biopic-gemma-chan-1235118243/.
 "United Service to China." Rockefeller Brothers Fund, www.rbf.org/about/our-history/timeline/united-service-china#:~:text=Created%20to%20secure%20funds%20for,consolidate%20American%20fundraising%20for%20China. Accessed August 19 2023.