The W.O.W. Project:
Love Letters to Chinatown
In early 2020, before stay-at-home orders were put in place, the W.O.W. Project team mulled over how to support our community and each other as Chinatowns across Lenapehoking (New York City) began to empty out and businesses suffered from the racist associations between the coronavirus and Chinatown communities. Even as we worked through adjusting our programming to shift in response to our communities’ needs, we knew the importance of uplifting our spirits and reminding our communities of the love we hold.
The Love Letters to Chinatown project was born out of the hope to create a sense of warmth and connection despite the distance and barriers that separate us all
We invited folks to write a love letter to a person, business, or organization you hold dear in Chinatown. Consider Chinatown as a living being. What would you say to Chinatown during this time? What do you want her to know? What stories do you want to share?
People responded with beautiful drawings, poems, essays, and more. Members of our team posted love letters throughout Chinatown, NYC for the workers, elderly, and families to see and to remind them of the strength and love in our community.
SUMMER 2020
In the summer of 2020 and during the W.O.W. Project’s 4 year anniversary, I created a zine of select Love Letters to Chinatown, to celebrate and give life to the letters in another way.
SUMMER 2020
I also collaborated with Resist Recycle Regenerate fellow Cynthia Qian on a 古箏 (guzheng) duet inspired by submissions.
WINTER 2020
By the end of 2020, Mei and I decided to use our LMCC Creative Engagement Grant funding towards co-creating a mural on the Wing on Wo & Co. storefront gate. Inspired by the Love Letters to Chinatown project, we hope to continue to uplift the Chinatown Manhattan community with reminders of the strength all around us.