The Power of Chinatown: Searching for Spatial Justice in Los AngelesUrban Chinatowns are dynamic, contested spaces that have persevered amid changes in the American cityscape. These neighborhoods are significant for many, from the residents and workers who rely on them for their livelihoods to the broader Chinese American community and political leaders who recognize their cultural heritage and economic value. In The Power of Chinatown, Laureen D. Hom provides a critical examination of the politics shaping the trajectory of development in Los Angeles Chinatown, one of the oldest urban Chinatowns in the United States. Working from ethnographic fieldwork, Hom chronicles how Chinese Americans continue to gravitate to this space—despite being a geographically dispersed community—and how they have both resisted and encouraged processes of gentrification and displacement. The Power of Chinatown bridges understandings of community, geography, political economy, and race to show the complexities and contradictions of building community power, illuminating how these place-based ethnic politics might give rise to a more expansive vision of Asian American belonging and a just city for all. |
Contents
The Limits of Legitimizing Community Control | 103 |
Envisioning Possibilities for Chinatown | 215 |
Additional Information about the Interviews | 233 |
References | 251 |
Other editions - View all
The Power of Chinatown: Searching for Spatial Justice in Los Angeles Dr. Laureen D. Hom Limited preview - 2024 |
The Power of Chinatown: Searching for Spatial Justice in Los Angeles Laureen D. Hom Limited preview - 2024 |
Common terms and phrases
active affordable housing Angeles Chinatown Asian Americans Association BID board Blossom Plaza borhood buildings Business Improvement District business leaders CACA Castelar Cathay Bank CCAC CCAC members CCBA CCED Central Plaza China Chinatown continues Chinatown residents Chinese American community Chinese and Asian Chinese immigrants CHSSC conflict contributed creative class critical cultural center defined designation diversity downtown economic especially ethnic community explained fieldwork forced displacement gentrification George Yu global groups HCNC heritage housing development identity immigrants and refugees interests involved Little Tokyo Los Angeles Chinatown major meetings ment model minority Monterey Park munity mutualist neigh neighbor nese American newer nity Old Chinatown older ongoing PAC/CCAC Planning policies political engagement preservation racial racial project redevelopment representation representatives residential restaurants San Gabriel Valley social socioeconomic Southern California specific stakeholders structure tion town urban Chinatowns voice Walmart West Plaza Wong