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Culture Series: 9-Man
To what extent did 9-man volleyball help Chinese immigrants preserve their culture?
HumanitiesDC & Ted Gong Present Culture Series: 9-Man, a conversation with key members of the Chinese American community reflecting on the street sport that continues to unite generations. For more than 90 years, 9-man volleyball has drawn teams from Chinatowns across the United States. In fact, the game is so popular that the last time a rotating competition took place in Washington, DC, it closed Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the FBI Building.
As immigrant identities continue to face challenges, understanding the impact of 9-man volleyball allows for a broader discussion on the importance of cultural spaces. Historical research has led to ongoing conversations about cultural preservation and identity within the Chinese American community, ensuring 9-man remains a thriving sport today.
Join us for a panel discussion exploring how the game’s strict rules, emphasis on community, and longstanding traditions have contributed to cultural preservation across generations. Together, we’ll revisit the rich history of 9-man volleyball in DC and highlight the resilience of Chinese American communities in maintaining their heritage despite adversity.
Registration Event Link
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