In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Downtown Frederick Partnership is proud to present this special edition of Voices of Downtown Frederick. This month, we are delighted to highlight Elizabeth Chung, Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Elizabeth has spent decades bridging cultures, empowering immigrants and enriching our community through leadership and service. Join us as we share her reflections on heritage, resilience, and how Downtown Frederick continues to be a place where diverse communities come together and thrive.
What first brought you to Frederick and how has your connection to the Downtown Frederick community influenced your journey as a community leader?
After starting and operating a successful non-profit organization in Ohio, my husband’s medical practice brought us to Frederick. I didn’t know much about the community but was drawn to the area by the charm and history of the city. At the same time, I wanted to contribute in a positive way. I wasn’t satisfied with being just the wife of a local doctor, I wanted to get involved, to make Frederick a better place. While the immigrant population was relatively small compared to now, I knew there were people who had needs. However, I saw Frederick as an inclusive place, and I realized that by setting up a community agency we could provide support. We also could draw our immigrant community to work cooperatively together for the betterment of all. There were barriers and struggles but as a group we were stronger. Organizing ethnic festivals would contribute much to a greater understanding across cultures. Being part of the downtown has opened many doors for interaction as we “hand-in-hand” promote Downtown Frederick.
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, what reflections do you have on the AAPI presence and contributions here in Frederick?
The AAPI presence has been a part of Frederick for decades. That presence has grown substantially over the past number of years. AAPI owned businesses such as Lazy Fish, Sumittra, and many others who are already part of the ethnic business landscape in Downtown Frederick.
Reflecting on this the AAPI community has come a long way from the immigrant influx of the mid-19th century. We do not lose sight of our past including the obstacles that were presented such as the historical oppression of Chinese immigrants in the United States, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by racism, discrimination, and exclusionary laws. One such measure was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which remarkably was not condemned by the U.S. Congress until 2012. Or the Japanese Internment camps of the 1940’s and even more recently the Asian hate displayed during the pandemic. Our journey has not been easy, but the Asian community has stood resolutely in being ready to serve our country, our communities. With that in mind the Asian American Center of Fredreick (AACF) has encouraged members of the AANHPI community to register to vote, to contribute to the arts, to become citizens who give back. AACF has sponsored a variety of educational programs including citizenship preparation classes, and a number of others.
What does Downtown Frederick mean to you on a personal level? Are there spaces, events, or community moments that stand out as symbols of connection or celebration?
We have found Downtown Frederick to be the perfect venue for events such as Asia on the Creek, the Indonesian Festival, Thai Festival, and Nowruz celebration. Notably when a group of monks were traveling around the world on a peace mission, they made a point to visit Frederick and spent the day in the downtown area. Other Asian performances and cultural exchanges puts Frederick on the map offering a connection to the world.
In your work, you’ve helped bridge many cultures and communities – how does Downtown Frederick reflect that spirit of unity in diversity?
Downtown Frederick has demonstrated that it has an eye to see potential and opportunities to expand on diversity. We feel that potential has yet to be fully developed. AACF is ready to partner with all who also share that vision of expanded diversity, greater business opportunities, and discovering a rich cultural treasure.
As Frederick grows and evolves, how do you envision Downtown Frederick can continue to reflect the diversity and resilience of its immigrant communities?
We would like to see an Asian cultural center as part of the downtown landscape. To offer AANHPI based culinary classes with an Asian “Chef on the Creek.” We would like to see a center that offers an ongoing base for artists and other cultural enrichments. It calls for careful consideration of the talents and contributions that members of our diverse community bring to Frederick and if given an opportunity can share those talents and skills with the community as a whole. We would like to see Downtown Frederick play a significant role in this endeavor. We would also like to see an AANHPI committee as part of Downtown Frederick to support the immigrant community.
What advice would you give to young people in Frederick, especially those from immigrant or AAPI backgrounds, who want to lead, serve or make a difference in their neighborhoods?
Take the opportunity to learn as much as you can about as many things as you can. Be ready and willing to serve, look for opportunities to volunteer. To embrace the past, present, and see the potential to create greater accomplishments. The ideals of the Asian American Center of Frederick are attainable goals for all and that is to work in such a way as to Enhance, Empower, and Enrich.
Learn more about the Asian American Center of Frederick: aacfmd.org
Elizabeth Chung is the Executive Director of the Asian American Center of Frederick, where she leads efforts to empower immigrants and advance health and social equity. With a strong background in public health, she has launched impactful programs such as the Community Health Worker Training Program and helped establish the Refugee Welcoming Coalition of Frederick. Elizabeth also co-leads the ‘Lifting All Voices’ health literacy initiative, working to reduce disparities among Limited English Proficiency populations. Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, she brings a deep commitment to serving diverse communities.
