Despite a recent bout with colon cancer, along with the exhausting chemotherapy that came with it, and the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that make it hard for her to move at times, Pearl Fu soldiers on as executive director for Local Colors. The annual festival of diversity and the educational outreach program that works with area schools is now in its 20th year.
A Chinese immigrant from a prominent “minority” family, Fu came to America to study music and never left. She is paid by the City of Roanoke, and has a small rented office at the Jefferson Center. There are no salaried assistants, just an army of volunteers that often succumb to Fu’s cheerful pleas for help.
“It’s hard to say no to Pearl,” said Sue Ling Chen, working alongside Fu a week before this Saturday’s (May 15, 11 – 6) free Local Colors Festival at Elmwood Park.
Twenty years ago Fu took it one day a time, not knowing that Local Colors would become a springtime staple on the Roanoke events calendar. “I’m thrilled that it’s grown so much,” said Fu, recalling that the first Local Colors on Kirk Avenue only featured people representing about four countries. “I was China all by myself,” chuckles Fu, who earlier in life envisioned taking Broadway by storm as a musical star.
During the Kennedy administration she got a chance to sing at the White House, filling in for her aunt, a famous musical film star in China whose voice was always dubbed in by real singers. The President, emcee Arthur Godfrey, Jerry Lewis and Ricardo Montalban were also on hand. Her grandfather, once scorned for suggesting that the U.S. and China should become closer politically, was later hailed in the 70’s when Nixon met with Mao. “They made movies about him,” said Fu.
This Saturday, upwards of 70 countries – all represented by Roanoke residents – will be on hand. “It’s very educational,” said Fu, who has also worked with local schools on a passport program. If students come up to booths and ask a question about that country, they can have a book stamped for extra credit.
Fu recounts how over the years, she stood on street corners and went into stores, walking up to people and asking them about their nationality. Often they became Local Colors participants at the festival, took part in the lunchtime series held at Century Plaza (Church Avenue) or were involved in educational outreach. It’s probably a good thing that people find it hard to say no to Pearl Fu, who, as her business card suggests is also Roanoke’s “Ambassador of Goodwill.”
Fu, who is always on the lookout for grants, said they have been harder to come by in recent years. Corporate sponsorships have dwindled as well. The countries that sell items at their booths keep all the proceeds; Local Colors does not get a percentage. “They need money for their causes,” insists Fu. She’s not sure how much is needed annually to fund Local Colors. “I’m not a good person with money.” Her salary won’t pay the bills at home; Fu credits the support of her husband C.C. for allowing her to focus on Local Colors.
As many as 30-35,000 may have shown up in years past when the event took place in the City Market area. “That number is now around 20,000 at the more confined Elmwood Park,” said Fu.
For now, Fu said she is clear of any cancer. “I want to beat it…I’m someone [that] when I’m determined, nothing can stop me.” The ten-year ongoing bout with Parkinson’s is a concern; one symptom at advanced stages is the loss of speech. “Can you imagine me not being able to speak,” laughed Fu. Parkinson’s has made walking and even simple tasks like turning book pages more of a chore.
Helping newcomers to the Roanoke Valley (“we make them feel comfortable”) and striving to “open the eyes of other people who haven’t been exposed to foreign cultures,” is Fu’s stated mission for Local Colors. Her work isn’t done; she was recently asked “what Chinese restaurant do you work in?” by a local resident. Fu replied that cultural sensitivity programs were her forte.
“It’s wise not to stereotype people,” she told the stranger in a gentle way. Ironically, Fu filmed a bit part for a local movie production last week – cast as a Chinese restaurant owner.
Fu, who won’t reveal her age, saying “that’s my only secret,” hasn’t found her eventual successor just yet. “I’m looking…but nobody’s crazy enough to do this. It’s like a 24-hour job. You have to really, really put yourself into it. I feel like I’m really lucky to be able to do this.”
Local Colors, including the Parade of Nations and other festivities, will be held on May 15 from 11 – 6.
By Gene Marrano [email protected]
