ROTARY LUNCHEON: Russell Low and Spirit of the Early Chinese American Pioneers: One Family's Story

Finding a previously unknown 100-year-old Hong family photograph among the belongings of his great uncle Kim, Russell Low embarked upon a decades-long search to find the stories behind the 1903 photograph. In his new historical novel, Three Coins, Low weaves family stories and real-life characters with the historical and political events of 19th-century America.  

The novel begins with the building of the transcontinental railroad, a project only made possible by the heroic actions of 12,000 Chinese men, including Low's great-grandfather, Hung Lai Wah, and his brother Jick Wah. The story then explores the devastating effects of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the subsequent trafficking of young Chinese women as part of the illegal slave trade. Three Coins sheds light on the role of the Presbyterian church and the Cameron House, who boldly rescued many of these Chinese women giving them a new life in America. Three Coins touches upon the themes of immigration, discrimination, human trafficking, and romance that are as relevant today as they were 140 years ago. 

Russell Low is a California-born, 4th generation Chinese American physician, author, and speaker, who is a great-grandson of Hung Lai Wah, a Transcontinental Railroad worker, and Ah Ying, a rescued child slave. His story sheds light on the trafficking of young Chinese women in the 1800s as part of the illegal slave trade. The story of his great-grandparents and their descendants has been featured on the History Channel, BBC Radio, National Public Radio, the Voice of America, the California State Railroad Museum, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Russell’s passion for research, family history, and storytelling come together in Three Coins and The All-American Crew.

A three-course lunch will be served. If you require a vegetarian, gluten free, or vegan lunch, please email Past President Mary Liu.

For Club members and visitors, there is a $45 charge for in-person attendance (which covers the cost of your lunch). NOTE: For those who wish to participate via Zoom, there is a $10 fee to attend.

Click here to register for in-person attendance.

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For in-person attendees: The cost for in-person registration will remain $45 if you register early until 11:59 AM on Friday, January 20, 2023. When the clock strikes noon on Friday, January 20, 2023, the price will go up to $60. If you show up at the door on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 as a walk-in, you will be charged $60. Please note that once Past President Mary Liu provides the headcount to the Hotel Nikko on the Friday before our Tuesday meeting, we will be billed for that count regardless of whether you show or not. Therefore, it is important to let her know if you are unable to attend after registering, but no later than Sunday night. If you are a no-show without notifying her ahead of time, the Club will be billed the cost of the meal and will have to pass the cost down to you. We hope to not have to do this.

Parking: If you are driving to the Hotel Nikko for this meeting, please leave your car with the Hotel Nikko valet. Pick up a validation sticker available at our check-in table. The discounted parking is $17.50 for three hours.

COVID-19 Protocol

If you do not feel well, please do not attend in person. Masks for those attending in person are optional during the event. We recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks when the risk may be high.