CHS Announces 2024 Guardian Award to Jack Belz

The Chinese Historical Society of Memphis and Mid South announced the 2024 Guardian Award to Jack Belz, longtime leader in the development and revitalization of the downtown Memphis area including the Mid-South region.

The Guardian Award was established in 2023 to recognize an individual who demonstrated significant contributions towards the preservation and promotion of Chinese American history, as well as Chinese art, culture, and traditions in Memphis and the Mid South.

"We are honoured to award 2024 Guardian Award to Mr. Belz. Memphis Chinese community is fortunate to have a friend in Mr. Belz who loves Chinese art and culture like so many of us. Since 1998, the Belz museum has become a special place where everyone in Memphis can go to enjoy the splendour of Chinese art without traveling abroad." said Jinliang Cai, President of Chinese Historical Society.

Since its inception, the Belz Museum plays an integral role in promoting Chinese arts and culture by engaging the Memphis community in celebrating Chinese holidays, educating the city’s youth about Chinese arts, hosting several annual events in its space. With our deep appreciation, Mr Belz attended the historical plaque ceremony in 2019 on Beale Street that honoured the Chinese businesses on Beale Street and Chop Suey Café. The Belz Museum has played an indispensable role in fostering relationship building between Memphis and China and Chinese culture.

The award ceremony will be at the CHS’ second annual fundraising Lunar New Year Banquet held at Dim Sum King on February 25, 2024.

The Chinese Historical History of Memphis and the Mid South was founded in 2016 as a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to collect, preserve, and share the local Chinese American experience, history, and culture with our diverse community.

For questions, please contact Dr. William Lee, Vice President of CHS, at 901-438-7479.