Friends of Roots

Friends of Roots is a San Francisco, CA-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education through comprehensive family history research, genealogical documentation, and cultural heritage archiving. The organization specializes in Asian American genealogy and cultural preservation, offering participants meaningful opportunities to explore their ancestral roots through structured educational programs. The flagship Roots: Him Mark Lai Family History Project provides Chinese American young adults with a transformative experience that combines genealogical research, historical study, and cultural immersion. Participants engage in detailed family history investigation, explore Chinese history and geography, deepen their understanding of the Chinese American community's historical immigration patterns, and undertake journeys to ancestral villages in Guangdong province. Friends of Roots administers educational initiatives that help participants connect past heritage with present identity, fostering a deeper appreciation for Asian American history and cultural preservation. The organization's work extends beyond individual research to include documentation and archiving efforts that contribute to broader understanding of Asian American experiences. Since its establishment in 2011, Friends of Roots has served as a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to preserving Asian history and culture by sharing research findings and personal experiences with communities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.