OAKLAND, Calif. Settled in the 1850s, Oakland s Chinatown has always been a special part of the surrounding community. I love the energy, engaging all the senses, shares Save Our Chinatowns volunteer Daphne Wu. This space has been such an important space for Asian Americans.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Chinatown saw a dramatic downturn. People were reluctant to come out, reluctant to support the businesses, Wu explains. We lost all our restaurant customers, Green Fish Seafood Market owner Finnie Phung adds. It was very stressful. As a result, Oakland artist Jocelyn Tsaih, founded Save Our Chinatowns, an initiative to help support Oakland Chinatown businesses.