Elisa Pang

Elisa Lee Pang was born into a family of Chinese immigrants in Dermott, AR on November 11, 1938, and grew up primarily in the nearby town of Dumas, where her parents started a small grocery business. Elisa’s father, who had previously lived in Chicago, joined Elise’s grandfather in the U.S. at a very early age and later married Elisa’s mother in China. They both eventually grew their family in the States and started their own family business.

As a child, Elisa contributed to running the store, selling candy, and making changes when she was only six or seven years old. The hard work of running the store, which Elisa notes often fell to her and her sisters, instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Elisa recalls the emphasis her father placed on education, ensuring that his children attended good schools, despite the family’s modest means.

Racial discrimination was a part of life for Elisa’s family, influencing where they could live. For example, Elisa’s father chose not to move to Mississippi due to the prevalent prejudice against the Chinese there. Despite these challenges, Elisa highlights the supportive relationships she formed within her community. She actively participated in various school activities and clubs, such as the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, which helped her build strong connections and relationships with others. Moreover, her mother and father’s practice of inviting store customers to join their family meals, and the reciprocal invitations to their homes, reflected a growing sense of belonging within the community. Elisa recalls that moving to Dumas, AR was a positive decision, as they were warmly welcomed and embraced by the community.

Elisa juggled social and cultural commitments to both Chinese and Arkansan communities. She recalls one instance in which she attended a “Come as You Are” breakfast hosted by the Rainbow Girls while still wearing the evening gown she wore to one of the all-night Chinese dances hosted in Greenville, Mississippi the night before. Later in life, she became the first woman to serve as President of the Chinese Association of Arkansas, reflecting a long career of leadership roles in civic organizations.

Elisa’s narrative provides a broader reflection on the immigrant experience, emphasizing themes of family, identity, and community. Elisa not only helped foster a sense of unity and cultural pride among Chinese Americans in Arkansas but also played a key role in strengthening the community’s ties and visibility during a period of significant social change.

Story by Franchelsa Francisco

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