STOCKTON, Calif. — May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It's a time to recognize the people, history and culture.
Stories about Asian Americans often go untold but just like everyone else, they've made significant impacts on the community and the lives of others.
The story of Esther Fong is one worth noting. She was a busy mom of three and a pillar of the community.
Fong became the first Chinese American teacher in the Stockton Unified School District in 1950. She taught students for 33 years but the journey to becoming an educator wasn't easy.
"She graduated from high school in 1946," said her daughter, Lianne Fong Dominguez. "A teacher encouraged her that she could be a teacher and that she could be an excellent teacher, so she went to college knowing that she may not get a job."
Chinese people were targets of discrimination. They were prohibited for centuries from becoming U.S. citizens, limiting their access to jobs and other opportunities.
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Fong defied the odds. She taught students at Washington, Madison and Hoover Elementary Schools in Stockton. She retired in 1983.
"Growing up, you never appreciate your mom until you get older," said her son, Les Fong. "She was always there for us. Mom interacted with all of us and the community in such a positive way. Our grandfather immigrated from China back in 1905. Mom was first generation born in Stockton. She was really proud of the fact that she was a trailblazer and she was recognized for her accomplishments."
Stockton Unified is providing resources for students and staff to learn about Fong and other figures throughout the month of May. At one point, the district had a magnet program at Hamilton Elementary named in honor of Esther Fong. It gave students an opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn about other cultures and traditions.
"It's really an honor and special to be able to recognize her legacy," said SUSD Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez. "We're still remembering her and still paying tribute to the strong work that she did. Although it was in the 50s that she was actually inspiring children, what we know from just her legacy is that her work continued to inspire people for generations to come."
Esther Fong died in 2016 at 88-years-old.