Remembering the Legacy of Wong Kim Ark

Supervisor Joel Engardio and ABC News anchor Dion Lim honor the legacy of Wong Kim Ark.

By Supervisor Joel Engardio

It was an honor to join Dion Lim from ABC7 News to celebrate Wong Kim Ark, the San Franciscan who won a landmark Supreme Court case 125 years ago establishing birthright citizenship for all. Freedom is fragile and Wong Kim Ark’s fight for justice is an inspiration today. 

Look at Wong Kim Ark’s photo from the 1890s. He is a young man with hopes and dreams.

He also exudes courage and fortitude. He needed it given what he was up against in his birthplace of San Francisco. His parents feared living here after mobs terrorized Chinese businesses.

Wong Kim Ark’s parents moved back to China, but he stayed in the city where he was born. After visiting his parents in China, he was denied re-entry to San Francisco based on the Chinese Exclusion Act. He sued with the help of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. 

Wong Kim Ark’s case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and he won. Yet he still faced discrimination. His son was detained on Angel Island, where officials scrutinized the citizenship claims of Chinese people traveling to San Francisco. 

Wong Kim Ark’s son was detained for a month on Angel Island – despite his dad having won a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. Wong Kim Ark’s descendants were at the celebration. They know freedom is fragile and must always be defended. 

Supervisor Joel Engardio with descendants of Wong Kim Ark.

Let’s be inspired by Wong Kim Ark’s fortitude as we work to create our best San Francisco and nation today. Let’s fulfill his hopes and dreams through the opportunities we create for future generations.

Read a news story about the full history of Wong Kim Ark’s case.