ASIAN AMERICANS FOR EQUALITY HONORS BOB LEE

Thomas Yu introduces Bob Lee.

We are honored to celebrate Robert “Bob” Eng Lee as a distinguished honoree at AAFE’s 51st Annual Gala on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the DCTV Firehouse in Lower Manhattan.

For over five decades, Bob has been a powerful voice for Asian American artists, heritage, and storytelling. As the Co-Founder and Curator of the Asian American Arts Centre (AAAC)—which he helped found in 1974—Bob has built a lasting legacy in the arts and cultural preservation.

Bob’s impact has extended far beyond the gallery walls: from award-winning arts and dance education programs, to national cultural advocacy efforts for people of color in the arts—his life’s work has critically elevated and preserved the cultural significance of Asian American art.

As AAAC evolves into a new Asian American Art Research Center in Flushing in collaboration with Think!Chinatown and AAFE, Bob’s legacy continues to grow.

We invite you to join us in honoring Bob at our 51st Annual Gala—a night of connection, culture, and community impact.

Thomas Yu presents plaque to Bob for his contributions to the community and to art. 

Passage from Bob's acceptance speech:

“....For AAFE to see what I do as having value and meaning for the community they serve is remarkable, 

and I am truly humbled by the honor they are giving me tonight."

"However I realize something, that this is a change for them too, a step with potential for AAFE itself. I feel its right then, for me to turn this light, to reverse it, to honor AAFE, for bringing attention not only to me but to the arts and their value for our community."

AAAC Board Members an friends from right: Sophia Ma, Alison Kuo, Bob, Eleanor Yung, Joel Kuperman, & Columbia Fiero. 

Bob's family from left:  Marcus Chen-grandson, Eleanor & Bob, Onie Eunice Lee-daughter, & Rob Keller.

Ye Xun, master folk artist of rice dough figurines, one of many AAAC has presented over many years.