Gentrification in Chinatown doesn’t rest, and so doesn’t Chinatown Together.
Along with our friends, we’re hosting four Chinatown events coming up in the next few weeks to push back against gentrification in Chinatown with culture and public education.
If you like what we’re doing, help us continue these events for the rest of the year by donating here.
1. Tea & Paint Summer Lotuses with @lucky.munyi (Sat May 25, 2-4pm)
We’re back with the fourth edition of Tea & Paint with @lucky.munyi!
In Chinese culture, each season is embodied by a unique flower, and as we embrace the upcoming summer season, we will be capturing the essence of summer with the lotus.
Unleash your inner artist, sip on some soothing tea from @thefakesaibot, and let your creativity blossom alongside the lotus in this delightful and inspiring event!
Preserve the roots, resist the gentrification shoots! Chinatown's lotus blooms with history and culture, not with condos and vultures. COMMUNITY FOREVER! 🤍
WHEN: Saturday, May 25 2024, 2:00PM to 4:00PM
WHERE: Chinatown Plaza Mall - 106 Keefer Street
Snacks and beverages will be provided, courtesy of Chinatown Together throughout the event.
To ensure inclusivity, interpretation for instructions will be available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
2. Big Fight in Little Chinatown Film Screening and Panel with Reel Causes (Sat May 25, 7pm)
Surprise! We’re back with another screening and panel discussion of Big Fight in Little Chinatown hosted by Reel Causes.
All across the globe, Chinatowns are under threat of disappearing – and along with them, the rich history of communities who fought from the margins for a place to belong. Big Fight in Little Chinatown documents the collective fight to save Chinatowns across North America.
Chinatown Together, and our friends from hua foundation and Chinatown Celebration Society will be joined by the film’s director Karen Cho for a special post-screening panel.
3. Five Colour Bracelets for Dragon Boat Festival with Yarrow (Sat Jun 8, 11am-1pm)
Discover the tradition of creating five-colour string bracelets in celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival with our friends at Yarrow! Join Yarrow for a meaningful event where you can craft bracelets and learn about their cultural significance.
At this event, you will:
Create your own five-colour string bracelets.
Learn about the cultural and historical significance of the Dragon Boat Festival, including its origins and traditional customs such as eating zongzi (a glutinous rice dish wrapped in bamboo leaves) and wearing perfume pouches.
Discover the stories and legends behind the Dragon Boat Festival, including the tale of the revered poet and politician Qu Yuan, whose life and death inspired this annual celebration.
Proceeds from the event will go to Yarrow’s important services for community seniors.
4. Chinatown Kung Fu & Lion Dance Workshop with Chau Luen Athletics (Sat Jun 8, 1-4pm)
Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable kung fu and lion dance workshop experience right in the heart of Chinatown!
If you missed out on last year's Kick Out Gentrification Kung Fu and Lion Dance workshop, fret not, as we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Chau Luen Athletics for another exciting hands-on workshop this year for all ages.
We’re throwing it back and hosting the event back at the Chinatown Memorial Plaza again — the original site of our anti-gentrification protests against Beedie’s luxury condo development 105 Keefer that’s right next to the square.
WHEN: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 1:00PM to 4:00PM
WHERE: Chinatown Memorial Plaza - 135-137 Keefer St
Snacks and beverages will be provided, courtesy of Chinatown Together throughout the event.
To ensure inclusivity, interpretation for instructions will be available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
We need your help to continue activating public spaces in Chinatown for the rest of the year
We’re currently short our goal to be able to continue Chinatown Together’s cultural events at the same pace of twice a month for the rest of the year after the end of June.
If you like what we do and want to see more of it so that we can push back against gentrification in Chinatown with culture, please consider donating to the Chinatown Together Cultural Fund so that we can continue to do this work as these events are made possible by community donors like yourself.
Why Chinatown Together host cultural events in Chinatown
In the face of ongoing gentrification, it's crucial for us to unite in support of our Chinatown and DTES communities, honour our elders and their cultural heritage, and revel in the collective joy of artistic expression.
Through each Chinatown Together event, we are dedicated to backing grassroots efforts, amplifying the genuine voices of our community, reclaiming our cultural roots and safe spaces, and standing firmly united against encroaching gentrification. Celebrating community joy is our most powerful resistance to these forces - let's come together and celebrate in Chinatown as one!
Follow us on Instagram @chinatowntogether.