by Matthew Yoshimoto
Last year, while walking through Oakland’s Chinatown, longtime resident Sohung became the victim of a robbery. Her cries for help were ignored by bystanders. Traumatized and burdened by emotional scars, her outlook only changed after a recent visit to the San Quentin prison as part of a film project.
Through three profound interactions with prisoners, Sohung found the strength to let go of her anger, hoping mutual kindness and the prison’s educational programs could help them get back on the right path.
This transformative experience was one key takeaway for Sohung at the panel and premiere of the short film Love Has Two Meanings, directed by Kevin Duncan Wong, this Saturday. The film documented the journeys of 12 Chinese elders in Oakland, including Sohung, who participated in a safety series involving field trips to the Black Panther Museum, San Quentin State Prison and other sites focused on racial justice.
Organized by Asian Health Services (AHS) and Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), the series allowed these elders to explore the roots of crime and violence and gain insights into advocating for a safer, more inclusive community.
Sohung expressed her gratitude for the experience and urged various organizations and agencies to support those who have made mistakes and help them reintegrate into society.
“I hope different organizations, agencies and other groups can listen to us and hear our voice,” she said.
During the film, the group visited Manilatown, a historically significant Filipino American neighborhood, where they engaged in an activity symbolizing unity by locking arms and sharing their experiences. One participant emphasized the importance of their collective journey by saying, “Unity is strength.”
Later, another participant highlighted the need to foster understanding between West and East Oakland, emphasizing the importance of Asian and Black understanding and collaboration in improving relations.
Lily, another of the elders who participated, shared that this opportunity allowed her to explore a side of the community she had never seen before. Her visit to San Quentin revealed the lack of familial love accessible to inmates, leading her to call for increased community support and guidance to help them find success after being released.
“If our community gives them more love and guides them properly, they would not go down the wrong path in life. I call for our community to offer more support and help them get back on track,” Lily shared with the audience.
While Lily acknowledged that community safety largely depends on police efforts, she noted that significant improvements can also come from collective action within the Oakland community. Her visit to the Black Panther Museum revealed similarities between Asian and Black communities, as she recognized parallels between her own immigration story and the mass migration of Black Americans from the South to northern and western cities.
Raymond Tan, another participant, also emphasized the critical role of broader community involvement, explaining that nonprofit organizations, government agencies, affordable housing and mental health services are equally vital to ensuring community safety.
Lisa, the last of the four elders who spoke on the panel, found her visit to San Quentin profoundly impactful. Noting that many inmates showed genuine remorse for their past actions and are eager to reintegrate into society, she said it’s crucial for community members to welcome them back with open arms, offering support and encouragement to help them contribute positively to the community.
“It was very eye-opening for me,” Lisa shared in her concluding remarks. “I understood that to nurture or educate good citizens, especially young people, the support from the community and love from the family is very important. The support and love from our community is very important for every member of our community.”
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