John McCormick will come to the Orinda Library on Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. to show a documentary film based on his book “Chinese in Napa Valley: The Forgotten Community That Built Wine Country.”
McCormick, a Lafayette resident and city council member there, grew up in Napa and is descended from five generations of Napa Valley residents. His book describes how Chinese laborers in the late 19th century carved out vineyards and helped build the infrastructure that allowed the wine business to grow.
But racism and anti-immigration forces erased the Chinese communities, and the Chinese impact on Napa Valley was forgotten, even as the area blossomed.
After the screening, McCormick and filmmaker Jeff Hamilton will discuss the film and book with the audience.
Seating is limited for the free program, and the doors open at 1:30 p.m.
