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One in a Billion: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey through Modern-Day China

May 17, 2023

7:00 - 8:00 PM EDT

Join us in a conversation with Nancy Pine, professor emerita at Mount St. Mary’s University and Shenzhan Liao, Senior Vice President of China Institute, about Nancy’s new book One in a Billion: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey through Modern-Day China. It’s a powerful story about the dramatic survival of one outspoken man who illuminates the souls of a billion ordinary Chinese citizens. An Wei—a stubborn, hardworking peasant who has lived by his values and stood up for his convictions—has succeeded against all odds through modern-day China. Despite grinding poverty, hunger, reeducation campaigns, and attacks from jealous peers, An Wei continues to inspire with his daring achievements, such as launching a democratic congress in his own village. His compelling life provides a vivid backdrop for understanding the development of modern China from the unique perspective of an outspoken citizen. Join our online conversation and learn what’s behind One in a Billion and Nancy’s journey in China.

This program is made possible through the support of the Chinese International Education Foundation, and generous supporters of China Institute.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Speakers
Nancy Pine

Nancy Pine holds a PhD in Education and is a professor emerita at Mount St. Mary’s University, Los Angeles, where she directed the Elementary Education Program and the Bridging Cultures US/China Program. She has done cross-cultural research in China and the United States for over 20 years, has published over 30 education and research articles, many related to China or cross-cultural learning and has given talks and workshops throughout the United States and internationally. Dr. Pine has spent extended periods in rural China, including five lengthy visits to one village to teach teachers from neighboring communities, consult in the local school and learn about rural life. Her recent book, One in a Billion: One Man’s Remarkable Odyssey through Modern-Day China, grew from that experience.

Shenzhan Liao

Shenzhan Liao, moderator of the program. SVP of Education and Head of the School of Chinese Studies at China Institute. Ms. Liao oversees all educational programs and classes of Chinese language and culture at China Institute. Ms. Liao designs, moderates and produces online and onsite programs on Chinese culture including poetry read-aloud program Lunch and Learn, Music Chat, China Institute Literati Salon for the general public, as well as programs for K-12 educators on a variety of topics including mythology, history, art, and education.

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