Tong associations

Tong associations, also known as "tongs," are organizations primarily composed of Chinese immigrants and their descendants. They originally emerged in the 19th century to provide social, cultural, and economic support within their communities, often serving as mutual aid societies. Tongs typically organized around regional or dialectal lines, helping members with housing, jobs, and social services. While some tongs operated as benevolent groups, others became involved in organized crime. Today, many tongs still exist as cultural organizations, promoting heritage and providing a network for community support.