Prior to World War II, racial prejudices and discrimination against Chinese forced them to stay in their ethnic enclave without much contact with the larger society. Wong Wah Ding, one of the few Chinese who spoke English, was a key contact person in Chi natown's dealings with the larger Philadelphia society, becoming the unofficial "mayor" of Chinatown. Here he officiates over a public commemoration of Chinese Americans who were serving in World War II. Pictured are (left to right): Philadelphia's Mayo r Samuel, Doris Lee, Wong Wah Ding, Pam Chan, and Judge Carroll.