Day 264: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Augusta, Georgia
📌APIA Every Day (264) - The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) in Augusta originated in 1873 when approximately 200 Chinese laborers were brought to Georgia to work on expanding the Augusta Canal. Most of these workers hailed from Guangdong Province in Southeast China, a region that historically supplied over 80% of Chinese immigrants to the United States. However, the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 severely restricted Chinese immigration, particularly for laborers. Despite these challenges, the early Chinese community in Augusta adapted by establishing themselves as merchants, running grocery stores and laundries.
In 1927, the CCBA was officially chartered to support the local Chinese community during an era of significant legal and social constraints. This marked a turning point, as the association began creating programs to strengthen the community. A major milestone occurred in 1939 when the CCBA purchased a former Lutheran church building at 548 Walker Street, which became its permanent headquarters. Over the years, the CCBA developed key community initiatives, such as Chinese language schools, youth clubs, and cultural events. The organization's timeline reflects a journey from survival to organized community building, including the establishment of a Sunday school in 1885 and the founding of support groups like the Chinese Women’s Club in 1948.
The CCBA’s role evolved further with shifts in immigration policies. The repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act through the Magnuson Act of 1943, followed by the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, opened the door to large-scale Chinese immigration. These changes led to demographic shifts in Augusta’s Chinese community, with an influx of Taiwanese professionals in the 1970s and an increase in Chinese students and faculty at local institutions. By 2023, the CCBA had earned recognition as a cornerstone community organization, receiving awards such as the Asian American Spirit Award and becoming the first Asian organization in Georgia to receive a historical marker from the Georgia Historical Society.
LEARN MORE:
Georgia Historical Society: The Augusta Chinese and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
Augusta Good News: Augusta’s Chinese community celebrates its history
Historical Marker Database: The Augusta Chinese and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association
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