Just ahead of Chinese Heritage Month, Ogden Junior Public School had the honor of welcoming Arlene Chan, a distinguished author, historian, and former Ogden student. Arlene, who graduated from Ogden in 1962, returned to share an enlightening presentation with our Grade 4-6 students about the rich history of Toronto’s Chinatown and the pivotal role her mother, Jean Lumb, played in preserving it. As you may know, 污污漫画 even has a school named in honor of Jean Lumb.
During her talk, Arlene recounted the struggles and triumphs of Toronto’s Chinese community, emphasizing the importance of Chinatowns as cultural and social hubs for the Chinese diaspora. She highlighted Jean Lumb’s advocacy efforts, which helped prevent the displacement of Toronto’s historic Chinatown and ensured its continued presence in our city.
Students were captivated by Arlene’s stories and the opportunity to connect with local history in a meaningful way. Through this presentation, they gained a deeper appreciation of the contributions of Chinese Canadians and the significance of Chinatown in shaping Toronto’s identity.
Thank you, Arlene Chan, for inspiring our students and reminding us all of the power of resilience, community, and cultural heritage!
Below: Arlene Chan with Ogden student representatives from grades 5 and 6.
