Written by Anik Ghose
The thing I’ll always remember about Bro Han is how he connected with others, and myself, through his stories and the moments we spent together.
Once, the topic of mangoes came up, and I shared that my cousins in our country of birth, Bangladesh, typically ate them with their hands, right off the trees. Bro Han related to that instantly. “That’s the right way to do it,” he said, as he then recounted how his security detail on a mission in Haiti did the same thing – first using their sticks to knock the fruit off the trees.
There was always a link that he found to draw people closer, as family, whether the stories were from his disaster relief experiences with Tzu Chi, or other moments from his life; He always could make people smile and feel connected.
Be it at the NYC premiere of the “On the Buddha’s Path” Short Film Tour, the Grand Opening of the Tzu Chi Center for Compassionate Relief, or the Haiti 10-Year Anniversary Photo Exhibit there, it was always a pleasure being in his presence.
Moreover, Bro Han’s vision to grow Tzu Chi USA is still the main focus for us all. It was his vision to move to a digital format, using social media and email newsletters. Also, to boost Tzu Chi USA’s print media presence through the Tzu Chi USA Journal. And finally, to step into the future of the Tzu Chi Bamboo Bank via our Tzu Chi Connect App.
Bro Han was a leader, a compassionate man, and a role model to many of us. I want to say thank you for everything Bro Han, and we’ll carry on your legacy here at Tzu Chi. And, you will live on forever, in our stories.
Han Huang passed away on June 18, 2022. He was a beloved Tzu Chi volunteer and the CEO of Tzu Chi USA from 2012 to 2019. We have received many tributes to his life and legacy. Please join us in remembering our cherished Tzu Chi brother. https://tzuchi.us/RememberingHan
