Chinatown Insider Explores Seattle’s Asian American History and People
By Catherine Wang
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Cathay Bank, OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Seattle (OCA-GS), Chinese American Citizens Alliance, the University of Washington’s American Ethnic Studies department and the Wing Luke Museum will present Chinatown Insider, featuring artwork and films about the Chinatown International District (CID), followed by a panel of artists and speakers from 1:15p-3:45p.
According to Willon Lew, board member of OCA-GS, “In 2023, Sound Transit described the CID as a ‘hub of cultural importance for Seattle and its Asian American communities,’ but did not acknowledge the historical, systematic displacement and gentrification of the neighborhood by local government agencies.”
In 1886, anti-Chinese sentiment sparked the Seattle riot, during World War II hysteria fueled the government removal of Japanese and Japanese Americans from the neighborhood to incarceration camps. In the 1960s, the construction of Interstate-5 divided the neighborhood, drastically increased air pollution levels, and eliminated many businesses, homes, and churches. In 1972, after King County and the City of Seattle proposed razing Chinatown in favor of the Kingdome, Asian Americans came together to protest the elimination of our community.
Then 50 years later, King County, City of Seattle, and Sound Transit proposed shutting down 5th Avenue – displacing longtime Asian American businesses and residents. Utilizing different forms of media, from short movies to sculptures and an exhibit, the artists each present facets of the history of Seattle’s CID. Featured artists include filmmakers Maria Gargiulo and Han Eckelberg, studio artist Stewart Wong, and educators from the Wing Luke Museum.
Maria Gargiulo has earned 14 Emmys for her documentaries and PSAs. She currently teaches film and video at the University of Washington’s Professional and Continuing Education Program. Her work has been featured in film festivals worldwide. East of Occidental(1986) documents stories from Seattle’s CID, from its inception to 1985.
Han Eckelberg’s Mak Fai Insider (2022) has already been screened at 10 film festivals. Mak Fai Insider provides a look at the Asian American youths who contribute to the community of Seattle’s CID. From the preservation of traditions to the support of one’s community, Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association exemplifies the importance of not only martial arts and lion dancing but the appreciation of its foundational culture.
Studio artist, public artist and arts educator, Stewart Wong, will present his current work in progress, a commissioned public art installation documenting the Knights of Labor and ad hoc groups’ 1886 expulsion of the Chinese from Seattle. The work will be installed at Alaskan Way South and South Washington Street, adjacent to the Compass Center.
Registrants to this event will have access to the Wing Luke Museum’s new exhibit, Nobody Lives Here, at the New Dialogues Initiative Gallery, highlighting the displacement of the CID businesses, homes, and people in the 1980s, following the building of the I-5 Freeway. Note that this exhibit is separate from the screens and panels previously listed free with registration.
To register for Chinatown Insider, please use the link, https://25646p.blackbaudhosting.com/25646p/Chinatown-Insider or contact Dani at danican@uw.edu.
