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.
February is Black History Month, and this week brings several ways to engage and celebrate.
Take a walk through Hayes Valley to enjoy a beautiful new portrait of Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman; shop Ayesha Curry s Oakland cafe/boutique Sweet July; watch documentaries on Leroy Jones and Nelson Mandela; and join Mayor London Breed for a book club discussing Alicia Garza s work.
Plus, stream IndieFest films online, shop the Oakland Vintage Market, work up a sweat at Social Fit Club, and get ready to eat, drink, repeat on Super Bowl Sunday!
Stop by Ayesha Curry s new store, Sweet July. Sharing a name with Curry s magazine, the stylish cafe/boutique stocks a curated collection of apparel and home goods. // 455 23rd St. (Oakland), Instagram