Between 1958 and 1973, thousands of Chinese youths braved shark infested waters, not to mention severe punishment if they were captured, to make the grueling long swim from Mainland China to Hong Kong. These youths were risking life and limb to escape poverty, social immobility and political persecution, with the hopes of discovering greater opportunity and freedom in the then-British colony. Collectively, they were known in the media as the ‘Freedom Swimmers’. They were our parents.
Join author Wai Chim ‘00 and Broadway performer Telly Leung ‘98 in-conversation with journalist Heather Chin ‘02 as they discuss Wai’s latest novel for young adult readers, Freedom Swimmer, inspired by their parents’ stories. Learn about the personal connection they both have to the incredible true events that led to this novel and find out how their immigrant backgrounds and Stuyvesant experiences informed and shaped their careers in the Arts.
The Alumni Association is inviting current students to join this special discussion on Wednesday, November 17 at 7pm via Zoom. More information on the event can be found here.
