Bark “Buck” Wong

Bark Wong’s life is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and the pursuit of the American dream. As a first generation immigrant, he arrived in the United States with no knowledge of English and little more than the determination to build a better future. Born during a period of immense political disturbance in China, he watched his family lose everything under communist rule. Seeking stability and opportunity, he left Hoiping (開平) for Hong Kong and eventually the United States. In October 1950, at just 18 years old, he arrived at Ellis Island, stepping into an unfamiliar world filled with both challenges and promise.

Adjusting to life in America was not easy, but Bark quickly adapted. He found an unexpected guide in an Italian immigrant named Marco Lucio, who helped him navigate his first days in the country. “Until today, I still remember his name, Marco Lucio. I don’t know how to spell it. He’s a very nice man,” Bark recalled. Soon after, his uncle arranged for him to work at his family owned grocery store in Holly Grove, Arkansas. Determined to learn, Bark attended a private school for one hour a day, five days a week, for three months. By the time Christmas arrived, he decided he could continue his education on his own. One of his biggest milestones was learning to drive under the guidance of a man named Mr. Tom. “I got to pick up a lot of English from him,” Bark said. “And I learned how to drive.” Gaining independence through language and driving, Bark took a greater responsibility in the business.

The store in Holly Grove marked the beginning of Bark’s lifelong journey as an entrepreneur. At the time when the town had seven grocery stores, including three Chinese-owned ones, Bark saw an opportunity to innovate. Recognizing shifts in consumer behavior, he transformed his uncle’s counter-service store into the first self-service market in town, a move that modernized the business and set it apart from competitors. “I asked all the salesman, ‘How do I get more business?’ They gave advice, so I upgraded, replacing old equipment with self-service.” From fresh produce to clothing and hardware, the store became a one-stop shop for the community. Bark’s dedication to customer service and his willingness to extend credit to those in need earned him respect and loyalty from locals of all backgrounds.

Bark’s innovative approach wasn’t just limited to his store’s layout. He also fostered community spirit by hiring local youth within the Black community and giving them their first jobs. Buck even recalled former employees approaching him years later to credit him with giving them an opportunity when others would not. Family was central to Bark’s life. Though he worked tirelessly alongside his wife, they made sure to provide opportunities for their children, emphasizing the importance of education. Bark’s legacy of hard work and perseverance paid off, as his children and grandchildren went on to become successful professionals in medicine, law, and engineering. Bark closed his store in 1997, after 40 years of business, to support his family and enjoy his well deserved retirement. Reflecting on his journey from a small Chinese village to the American South, Bark embodies the spirit of a self made American dreamer, an innovator who saw opportunity where others saw obstacles, and who built a bridge of understanding and service in his community.

Interview by Dr. Yifeng Hu (College of New Jersey)
Story by Saul Medina

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