Los Angeles Mei Wahs
Currently the oldest and still functioning L.A.'s women's club for Chinese-Americans, the Mei Wah Club was founded in 1931. Ten girls founded the club around their mutual love for basketball. Eventually, the club became involved in fund raising efforts to help refugees in China fleeing the turmoil of the warlord era. The club's fund raising efforts continued after World War II. In addition to playing basketball, the Los Angeles Mei Wahs also formed the first all-Chinese girls' drum corps. Headed under David Soo Hoo, brother of community leader Peter Soo Hoo, the Mei Wah drum corps competed throughout Southern California, earning numerous awards. As of 1998, 14 members remained active, meeting bimonthly and continuing with their philanthropic efforts.
The LA Mei Wahs were also disadvantaged in height against their opponents and had to learn survival skills on the court. Along with the Lo Wah, the all-black Athena Athletic Club the Queen Esther Japanese and others, the Mei Wahs helped popularize amateur female sports in Los Angeles.
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