In 2020, 16.82% of Lexington’s population was Chinese, which is proportionally the second-highest Chinese population of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Yet just 40 years ago, Lexington had only 392 Chinese residents – and in 1890, two. This presentation, featuring research by Lexington High School student Sophia Zhang and live Q&A with local Chinese American panelists, aims to discuss and explain the mulit-phase evolution of the Lexington Chinese American community, within broader historical contexts. This presentation will also highlight the civic contributions Chinese Americans have made to Lexington and the community’s place in the town’s ongoing demographic transformation.

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