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Velázquez Bill Honoring Chinatown Visionary Becomes Law

July 25, 2018

Velázquez Bill Honoring Chinatown Visionary Becomes Law

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY)'s bill, H.R. 4463, to rename a Chinatown post office in memory of a local luminary, Mabel Lee, was signed into law today by the President of the United States. Located at 6 Doyers Street in Manhattan's Chinatown, the new "Mabel Lee Memorial Post Office," will honor Lee's vision and legacy within the Chinese-American community and beyond.

"I am thrilled that the United States Congress and President chose to honor the life of Mabel Lee by enacting my bill," said Velázquez. "Renaming this local post office to honor Lee's extraordinary legacy is an appropriate way to commemorate her commitment to the neighborhood she cherished."

Mabel Lee was the first Chinese woman to receive a PhD from Columbia University, paving the way for future generations. After graduating from Columbia, Lee is known for organizing classes for Chinatown's residents to build skills in areas like carpentry, radio and typewriting. At just age 22, Lee led Chinese and Chinese-American women in a May 1917 pro-suffrage parade in New York City.

"Mabel Lee embodies what it means to be a steadfast public servant," said Velázquez. "All New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude and our community will always remember her many contributions."

Velázquez's bill cleared both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump on July 25th.