The CSPM is proud to honor the local history and legacy of generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders this May as part of the nationwide commemoration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Explore stories below from the Story of Us and COS@150 exhibits, which can be enjoyed in person or through our website.
Story of Us: China Jim Bofondo
Unfortunately, many great stories (and people) are lost to history. In the case of Leu Bo Foo a.k.a. James "China Jim" Bofonda, a few dozen or so newspaper articles, a 1910 census record, a narrative written in 1971 based on the memories of a several local residents and a handful of anecdotal accounts are all that we have to piece together the complex story of his life. In other words, we have more questions than answers.
What we do know is that a man who later came to be called James BoFonda was born in Canton, China sometime between 1861-1865. Several combinations of his name can be found on contemporary records but he was affectionately known in Colorado Springs as “China Jim” Bofonda. Some records indicate he immigrated to the United States in 1882 and perhaps worked in Wyoming. However, by September 1890 he was living in Colorado Springs. A notice in the Colorado Springs Gazette stated: “Attention is called to the advertisement of the new curio store on Huerfano Street to be opened by China Jim & Co.” At times, Bofonda left his business in the care of friends and returned to China to visit family, check on business interests there and/or to secure products for his store in Colorado Springs.
COS@150: Clifford Nakata
Clifford Nakata was an excellent architect and an outstanding human being. Former colleague and close friend Gregory Friesen of CSNA in Colorado Springs, described him importance in this way, “Through his patriotism, the activities of his life that brought him here, his impact on shaping and thus protecting the national defense, and his many contributions to institutions, corporations, and the very fabric of downtown Colorado Springs, Clifford S. Nakata FAIA has helped shape the character, buildings and urban fabric of Colorado Springs.”
COS@150: Golden Lotus Foundation
From Cynthia Aki, President & CEO: If you are fortunate, in many Asian families, an heirloom tea set may be passed down to you. The tea set on display is a porcelain white tea pot with traditional tall, Yunomi decorative tea cups, and lacquer tray from the estate of Reverend George and Misake Aki to their son Galen, and daughter-in-law Cynthia Chung Aki. The Aki’s were Nisei, Japanese born in California, and at the turn of WWII entered into Tanforan Assembly Center then transferred to Jerome Arkansas Interment Camp under Executive Order 9066. Reverend George Aki, serving as clergy, would later receive the Congressional Gold medal awarded collectively to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Community Partnership: Downtown Colorado Springs
The CSPM is pleased to work with Downtown Colorado Springs’ charitable nonprofit affiliate Downtown Ventures to commemorate the leadership, vision, and accomplishments of Asian American and Pacific Islanders throughout Colorado Springs’ history. The Cultural Corridor banners are displayed along Pikes Peak Avenue between Cascade Avenue and Wahsatch Avenue. Throughout Asian American and Pacific Islander’s Heritage Month, we’re honored to highlight these important stories which are also features in the CSPM’s collections and exhibits.
Community Connections: AAPI Heritage Honored
Colorado Public Radio: Colorado Matters
"Asian Avenue Magazine" is part of CEME, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange, a coalition focused on elevating the voices of diverse and often underserved communities. Annie Guo VanDan is the magazine co-founder and president. Nga Vương-Sandoval is featured on the May cover. She is receiving the Asian American Hero of Colorado Award, largely for her extensive work as the founding executive director of "Refugees + Immigrants United," a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to “empowering, advocating for, and celebrating the voices of refugees and immigrants.”
Colorado Springs Honors Filipino Hero with Monument Dedication
The Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, in collaboration with various Filipino-American organizations across Colorado, proudly announces the dedication ceremony of a 6-foot bronze monument of Dr. Jose Rizal on Saturday, July 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM at George Fellows Park, Colorado Springs. This significant cultural event celebrates the enduring legacy of the Philippine national hero and the rich contributions of the Filipino-American community.
Colorado Asian Culture & Education Network
Since 2009, in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Asian American Hero of Colorado awards are held each May to recognize deserving individuals for their leadership, service, and contributions.