31 Years of Tradition: The Black Hill Barbecue Uniting the Greater DMV Community

31 Years of Tradition: The Black Hill Barbecue Uniting the Greater DMV Community

By: Peishi Yu

Since 1993, the Black Hill Barbecue held in Black Hill Regional Park, Maryland has been a staple of the Chinese Alumni Associates of Greater Washington (CAAGW) for 31 years. It’s an important event where people in the Greater DMV area can come together to enjoy food, marvel at live performances, and bond with others. Every year, more than 70 alumni of the CAAGW come to this event, and this year is no different. This year on May 12, the park was as lively as could be with many events.

One example is the barbecues. The barbecue at Black Hill Regional Park has been a favorite of the event. It’s even in the name! Smoke rises from the pavilions as alumni cook various foods. You can see people grilling beef, sausages, pork, lamb, and even asparagus! Alumni all brought food with themselves, signaling a feast of noodles, pizza, meat, sesame balls, and more!

(Photo Provided by Peishi Yu)

(Photo Provided by Peishi Yu)

After everyone was full, there were many performances, like the CAAGW Waist Drum Team and a male soprano solo. After that, there was a tug of war contest. Everyone was hyped up and cheering for teams from their pavilion, and when the contest ended, everyone was in good spirits.

(Photo Provided by Peishi Yu)

Throughout the event, Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC) volunteers eagerly helped out with many things. This year is very special for CYOC as well, as CYOC’s Student President George Xie is “retiring” from his role and will now be the President’s Advisor. With the going of a president, we have two new presidents who will be acting in tandem. Jennifer Wan and Joseph Shi will be the new Co-Presidents. With new presidents comes a new board, and the CYOC board is expanding to many more people who have helped support the community in many ways.

(Photo Provided by Peishi Yu)

(Photo Provided by Peishi Yu)

This barbecue day is special for another reason. It was held on Mother’s Day, so there was a special cake cutting. Influential people like Ping Lu, former CAAGW president and current Maryland Asian and Pacific Islander Commissioner, Di Zhu, the Minister Counselor and Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in the US, and Chuanming Li, the current CAAGW president cut the cake along with many other influential members of the community.

(Photo Provided by Peishi Yu)

Overall, this day was a meaningful experience to everyone who attended. People went to Black Hill Regional Park to celebrate a tradition, and left full, inspired, and fulfilled.