Him Mark Lai (1925-2009)
Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch Library (1135 Powell Street, San Francisco)
Him Mark Lai was a second-generation Chinese American born in San Francisco. He was a historian recognized internationally for his knowledge of Chinese American history. Considered to be a walking encyclopedia for his expertise and understanding of the subject matter, Him Mark was also dubbed the Dean of Chinese American History. He lectured at universities and conferences locally, nationally, and internationally. In 1969, he and Philip Choy taught the first college-level Chinese American history course at San Francisco State. Among his numerous honors from both the academe and the community was the San Francisco State University President's Medal.
(Portrait by Frenda Tran, SFSU 2013)