Decolonization, and the Power of Intercultural Alliances in Philadelphia
The creative discussion at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, ‘The Fight For Our Communities: Save Chinatown,’ unveils a conversation that revolves around the ongoing gentrification of neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by people of color, driven by developers and city councils across the state. The event kicks off with two special screenings: ‘Save Chinatown’ (1973) narrates the story of the resilient Philadelphia Chinese community, documenting their fight against the Vine Street Expressway. They are determined to safeguard Chinatown’s cultural heritage and landmarks from impending demolition and urban development. Additionally, ‘Black Journal: Episode 4’ (1968) delves into the impact of urban renewal, spotlighting the consequences of expansion and eminent domain misuse in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. The episode reflects on communities’ struggles against displacement and their quest for dignity and space amidst the changing urban landscape.
Even though the films were made decades ago, one still senses the relevance of the events depicted in the film to today’s circumstances. What truly unites the films and the community is the ongoing protest against the new Sixers arena and the removal of UC Townhomes. The former could cause significant disruption to historic Chinatown and Center City, potentially leaving it empty for the majority of the time, thereby compromising the safety of Center City. The latter could displace longtime residents and disrupt the social fabric and cultural coherence of the neighborhood. Following the screening, the panelists discuss their experiences as activists against gentrification and displacement.
“Putting these two films together shows that we are fighting the same fight … It is not a coincidence that the same person who has been gentrifying West Philadelphia is the same person who has proposed this arena project. It is of utmost importance that our community supports each other during this time,” Caroline Aung, a member of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, said.
Darlene Foreman, a member of the UC Townhome Resident Council, pointed out that after all these years, developers are doing the same thing, yielding the same results repeatedly without finding a way to break the chain. “We have to find a way (to break the chain) with young people involved,” she added.
Another Townhome resident, Sheldon Davis, mentioned that the developer tries to drive up property values and create paths of less resistance. “Those with the influence that comes with places and institutions that exercise power can ride that influence all the way to the bank,” he said. “When this cycle grows, you stop thinking of this place as a community but as statistics because the community loses its humanity.”
The conversation then centers around the future of the next generation and the significance of communities to individuals. “I want to leave the tools behind for the next generation. I want to give our kids something to look up to as well,” said Townhome resident Kristal Young.
“We have to teach young people, school them, tell them what happened,” said Foreman. “I didn’t see myself sitting on a panel like this until this happened to me. We have to pass this down to our children so they can continue to fight this fight.”
Wei Chen, the Civic Engagement Coordinator at Asian Americans United, also shared his experience. “Chinatown is important to me. I came here as an immigrant when I was 16, without speaking any English. When I saw the sign saying that they sell the food from where I come from, it gave me hope,” Chen then added, “This place is vital for immigrant employment, offers language-friendly services, and serves as a social hub for sharing immigrant experiences and spending time with grandchildren.This is why we have to save our community. This is why we can’t lose this place.”
Aung echoed, “It’s difficult to overstate how important it is also to Asian Americans who are second or third generation, who have historically struggled to find self-identity or cultural identity. Moving to Chinatown fostered a profound spiritual connection, making the fight to preserve the neighborhood more than just about place; it’s a collective struggle for cultural preservation and self-determination.”
If one ever wondered why the communities became agitated, it’s because they realized that public representatives and developers failed to keep their promises — not for the first time, nor the last time. “Some young black kids recently are employed by the 76ers campaign. They try to shuffle the idea that the arena is going to be good for the black community,” said Davis. “The moment that these kids realize that you are turning them to target their own community, you are going to have serious karma going your way, but we are not even going to wait that long … the Chinatown fight is the West Philadelphia fight.”
Chen took this chance to express his gratitude towards the UC Townhomes leaders, for they walked together with them on the June 10th march. “We know we can’t trust [developers] because of what happened in Camden and what happened to UC Townhome. The benefits they talked about are a trick, using that to create conflict between our community,” Chen added.
Foreman mentioned that Councilmember Jamie Gauthier was criticized for not keeping her promises to fight with UC Townhome members and not representing the interests of the community. She has been canceling or dodging the meetings she promised to have with the townhome people. Chen seemed to deeply resonate with the frustration. “If they keep failing to speak for our community, then we need our people to run for office. We need to get into the system and change the system. We can’t expect them to change the system.”
‘The Fight For Our Communities: Save Chinatown’ panelists include Caroline Aung from the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, Wei Chen, the Civic Engagement Coordinator at Asian Americans United, Darlene Foreman, a member of the UC Townhomes Resident Council, Krystal Young and Sheldon Davis, active residents at UC Townhomes, Keyssh, a multimedia creator and community organizer from SouthWest Philly, and PAAFF programmer Selena Yip.