SearchI want to share a blog from my friend, Heidi Kuhn, founder and CEO of Roots of Peace. Her inspiration to clear mine fields and plant crops in Afghanistan, Vietnam, and around the world came from her great-great grandfather, Captain John A. McNear. 
“In 1868, Captain McNear purchased 2,500 acres of land along the panoramic shores of Marin County, California. Following the end of the Civil War, he witnessed the social injustices targeted against the Chinese workers who labored hard during the Gold Rush and helped to build the Transcontinental Railroad. These ‘Coolies’ were being forced to abruptly return to China. Thus, he sailed his Steamer Gold vessel to San Francisco, and offered his land as refuge. Over 500 Chinese gratefully accepted and established a thriving business exporting over 3 million pounds of dried shrimp to China. This land today is referred to as China Camp.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was the first U.S. Federal law targeting an ethic minority. While Captain McNear was challenged by society for respecting the Chinese, he stood strong in his beliefs.
Today, over 150 years later, Heidi’s family still lives on the last remaining land of the McNear family homestead. The inspiration of her great-great grandfather was at this same site in 1997, creating MINES TO VINES! This Roots of Peace vision has rippled across continents, healing the land and creating sustainable peace through trade and empowerment of ethnic minorities.
As we celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, we must reflect upon the past. And, we must draw upon the courage of our forefathers to literally plant the roots of peace on Earth.”
We need more Captain John A. McNears today to take a stance against discrimination towards Asians, Latinos and other non-English speaking ethnicities and races! He is an inspiration to all of us, as well as to Heidi and her family.
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Lunar New Year!
Tim Hornbecker, Director of Advocacy and Community Organizing [email protected]
Tim Hornbecker,
Director of Advocacy & Community Organizing