Philadelphia Chinatown fights to preserve its community

Philadelphia’s Chinatown has spent decades fighting displacement. Recently, community members successfully blocked the Philadelphia 76ers’ proposed arena at the neighborhood’s edge. The plan, according to Asia Times, would have harmed small businesses and weakened Chinatown’s cultural identity. A city impact study estimated that increased congestion and rising rents could have forced out nearly half of Chinatown’s businesses.

This victory adds to Chinatown’s long history of activism. In the 1970s, the “Save Chinatown” movement stopped the Vine Street Expressway expansion, which threatened to demolish the historic Holy Redeemer Church. Over the years, activists also defeated plans for a federal prison (1993), a baseball stadium (2000), and a casino (2008). As Philadelphia Encyclopedia details, these efforts have helped sustain the neighborhood.

Beyond stopping harmful projects, Chinatown has also built institutions that strengthen the community. The successful fight against the prison led to Hing Wah Yuen, an affordable housing complex. Similarly, opposition to the baseball stadium paved the way for the Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures School in 2005, an institution that embraces Chinatown’s heritage.

The fight against the Sixers’ arena united diverse groups. Youth-led organizations like Students for the Preservation of Chinatown worked with Black Philly 4 Chinatown to highlight the impact of gentrification citywide. Reverend Gregory Holston noted that displacement is a common issue for communities of color across Philadelphia.

As Asia Times highlights, Chinatown’s activism continues to shape its future. By resisting harmful developments and investing in community projects, residents ensure their neighborhood remains a thriving cultural and residential hub.