Preserving Manhattan’s Chinatown

• Julie Mariani, Art, University of Delaware

• Jazmyn Crosby, Arts and Sciences, University of Delaware

Preserving Manhattan’s Chinatown
My work this summer has aimed to not only learn more about the culture and subcultures of Chinatown, but also gain a quiet understanding of myself and the Chinese roots embedded throughout my identity. The daily commute from my small town of Eastchester to this utopia transformed my understanding of immigration, business operations, geopolitics, as well as the importance of maintaining culture in a community. Throughout my summer research, I’ve been able to talk to locals, small business owners, as well as simply observe the hustling streets that make up Chinatown.
While I strolled aimlessly down Mottts Street, Bowery, Canal, and other main roads, I carried my trusty ole Canon m200 with me capturing raw moments of locals going about everyday life. From fresh produce on the streets, seafood markets, and local food markets packed with traditional Asian snacks (some of which I recalled from childhood), I was able to identify a symbiotic relationship between the customers and workers within this unique network. From local nonprofit organizations like Welcome to Chinatown and visiting the Museum of China in America (MOCA), I was also able to gain insight into the early history of Chinese Americans and how their stories shaped the lives of future generations.
The interviewing process was one of the most challenging aspects of my research as it was tricky to navigate communication on an artistic level. While talking to these individuals, I’ve learned that so much of what goes into starting/maintaining any kind of business is faith and hard work. The pure and utter elbow grease these individuals have put in to accomplish their dreams have been nothing but inspiring to witness. In times of survival, Chinatown has ultimately served as a beacon of hope for Asian Americans where they can see themselves represented and celebrated. From this project, I hope to educate others on the importance of cultural environments and preserving Chinatown’s legacy.