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New York City Chinatown Chinese: Narratives of a Village and Community

2017 Book Party Event at the American Legion-Kim Lau Post 

A wonderful signature event featuring NYC Chinatown Oral History book Vol 2 was hosted at American Legion-Kim Lau Post and co-sponsored by OCA-LI on 9/9/2017.  This Journey to the West of these early Cantonese and Toisanese immigrant families was phenomenal as they faced enormous struggles of poverty, discrimination and sacrifice. Their narratives of growing up in NYC post WWII during the 1940s-60s were filled with fond memories, but also painful recollections.  They called it "The Greatest Generation" which should not be forgotten, documented in our annals of history for the next generation.  Many came to remiinsce, to share narratives, and to rejoice about the safe haven, and supportive community network where they belonged, a Chinese culture of pride amidst an environment that was often discriminatory. Many served in the US military with honor, yet continued to face discrimination and challenges of their loyalty and and belonging.  Their resilience and the bonds of a safe and supportive community in NYC Chinatown enabled them to go on to become responsible US citizens and educated professionals--to achieve the American Dream.  As a generation, it is about ordinary people who made extraordinary strides.  We topped off the book signing with an enjoyable lunch and a memorable social event!. 

 

 

WE GREW UP IN CHINATOWN - SinoVision

2014 NYC CHINATOWN REUNIOIN LAS VEGAS
50s ORAL HISTORY PARTY 2013

Posted February 20, 2013

Posted December 20, 2012

At the 2014 NYC Chinatown Reunion in Las Vegas, we convened a discussion of the project.  Hon Lee published his memoirs.  Healthy discussion about of growing in NYC Chinatown and the joint accomplishments of the group with Ted Ho saying, "And we did it one generation".  All accompanied by entertainment, slot machine contest, dancing, and renewing friendships. 

In 2016, we once again convened reunionites in Las Vegas to discuss their stories and memories.  Many shared their memories of Chinese School, Drum Corps, discrimination, and the sense of community and friendship bonds that have lasted a half century.

The May 4, 2013 Kick Off 50s Oral History Party in NYC Chinatown was a huge success.  People brought their appetites for a delicious Dim Sum brunch, and their memories and memorabilia of growing up in the 40s to 60s in NYC Chinatown.  The stories were documented by video and audio to be shared.   

"Memories of Chinatown" website at: www.aditl.com/chinatown  

Includes newsletter archives, stories and pictures from the Las Vegas Reunions.  Managed by Jim Yuen.



Chinatown’s “Bloody Angle” – A Trip Down Doyers Street
http://www.scoutingny.com/?p=1757

 

Asian American History in NYC

https://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/asianamericanhistorynyc/



Voices of Chinatowns
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctusa/members/

 

Asian American History in NYC 
https://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/asianamericanhistorynyc/?p=110

    WEB LINKS ON NYC CHINATOWN     
     VIDEOS ON THE     
     NYC CHINATOWN ORAL HISTORY PROJECT    

We Grew Up in Chinatown. - Sinovision TV http://youtu.be/ub9bABx-y4c 

 

New York Public Library Chinatown Legacy Project - Digital Collection

http://oralhistory.nypl.org/neighborhoods/chinatown 

 

Epoch Times: We did it in One Generation and the Next Generation 

http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/15/12/9/n4591745.htm

 

NTD TV: The NYC Chinatown Oral History Project

http://www.ntdtv.com/xtr/b5/2015/12/08/a1240255.html

 

Pearls of Wisdom: Pearl Chow by Eveline Chao

http://opencitymag.com/pearls-of-wisdom/

 

Smithsonian National Museum of American History - Many Voices, One Nation: On PS 23 

http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/many-voices-one-nation

 

Story Corps - Rosemary Lee and Archer Dong

 

How a Chinatown-by-the-Sea Popped Up on the Jersey Shore by Eveline Chao

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/chinese-bradley-beach-new-jersey 

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