When Community Calls: A Journey to Advocacy

For Ernie, growing up meant navigating the space in between identities, expectations, and communities that did not always know where to place him. Like many Asian Americans, his journey toward belonging was not straightforward, and his voice did not emerge all at once.

What changed everything was a moment when the Asian American community was told it did not count.

In the face of exclusion, Ernie stepped forward, angry, determined, and unwilling to stay silent. What followed was not just advocacy, but a lifelong commitment to listening, speaking up, and investing in a community that continues to evolve.

Below, Ernie shares his story in his own words about identity, responsibility, culture, and why CASL remains essential to Chinatown and beyond.

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I was trying to figure out my identity—who I was. Because I didn’t fit in with white people. I didn’t fit in with Black people. I was kind of there in between. And obviously kids make fun of you all the time. But I kind of embraced it. It was also at a time when Bruce Lee was pretty popular.

I didn’t find my voice until much later, though.

I was surprised by the city of Chicago. I think it was about 25 or 26 years ago that the city wanted to remove Asians from the pool of minority business enterprises in their city ordinance. I got very angry. I was already in business at that time, and I thought, how dare you do that? Asians are a minority in this city.

I was very outspoken, and things came out of my mouth in testimony at City Council that ended up making the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times. That’s really where I found my voice. And that’s also where I found comfort in the Asian American community in Chicago.

There was so much support that came out for me. I also discovered, at that time, a sense of responsibility toward a community that didn’t have a lot of voice. Because I had the ability to articulate some of the issues the Asian community was facing, I was able to convey that.

That responsibility grew. I felt a responsibility to listen to the community—to hear what they were saying—and be able to convey that to people within the city of Chicago, at City Hall.

The sense of culture was always ingrained in us. Chinese New Year. Making dumplings—sitting there making dumplings with family members or other Chinese students who would come over through the years. Coming to Chinatown to shop and eat. That culture was always part of me.

Our community has grown. And with that growth comes a set of needs that continue to change. That’s why I keep giving back. We need to continue to change with the community.

Chinese American Service League is a part of Chinatown. It is such an integral part of this community—not only because of the workforce it supports, but because of the impact it has on so many lives, from kids in school to seniors at the end of their lives. This institution continues to be there for them.

That’s why it’s an investment.

— Ernie Wong
Principal, Site Design Group LTD

Ernie’s story reminds us that communities do not find their voice by accident. They find it because people choose to speak up, listen deeply, and invest for the long term. CASL has been there through moments of growth, challenge, and change, ensuring that individuals and families at every stage of life are seen, supported, and valued.

When you support CASL, you are investing in a future where voices are not erased, culture is preserved, and communities continue to thrive.

Make an investment in community today.

Donate to CASL   Contact Impact & Advocacy