But until the pandemic hit, Young, 66, wasnt known for her activism.
Young has been recognized as the James Beard Foundations humanitarian of the year.
Grace Young:My father was a very big part of the Chinatown community in San Francisco.
He was a liquor salesman, and he knew every restaurant owner there.
We couldnt walk more than 20 steps on the street without somebody calling out his name.
So, San Franciscos Chinatown always felt like home to me.
The one in New York City was different.
Im a little shy.
That all changed in January of 2020.
Suddenly all the stores were empty.
People were afraid to come to Chinatown, just becausethe COVID-19 virushad originated in China.
The story of Chinatown, like those of other traditional immigrant neighborhoods, is an American story.
I think the place should be designated as a living national treasure.
Then I began to stumble upon other ways to help.
There have been many days when Ive felt down.
But recently a friend sent me this quote: Action is the antidote to despair.
And I thought, Yes.
The work Ive done for Chinatown has actually given me focus and purpose over the past two years.
Maybe the biggest lesson Ive learned from this is that there are no magical heroes waiting in the wings.
If we dont help each other, nothing will happen.
But if everyone does what they can, it really does make a difference.
Serves 4
Ingredients
1.
In a small bowl, combine 14 cup broth, rice wine and soy sauce.
Swirl in 2 tablespoons oil, add ginger, and stir-fry for 10 seconds or until fragrant.
Add mushrooms; stir-fry for 30 seconds or until oil is absorbed.
Swirl in remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
Swirl in remaining 1 tablespoon broth; stir-fry for 1 minute or until sugar snaps are crisp-tender.
