The event of September 11, 2001 has afflicted Lower Manhattan on many fronts. Thousands have perished. Residents have been left homeless. Stores and factories have been closed. Jobs have been lost. Asthma rates have climbed. Hundreds of phone lines have yet to be re-connected.
Chinatown has been uniquely affected by the tragedy that took place just one mile away. Unlike many other parts of Lower Manhattan, the people of Chinatown both live and work within this community. It's nearly impossible for them to relocate or find employment elsewhere.
Thousands of garment factory workers have been laid off. Hundreds of restaurant workers have lost their jobs. Limousine and black car drivers, who depended on the Financial District and World Trade Center for their fares, work more hours, yet take home a lower income than before September 11th. Street blockades and public sentiment to stay away from Lower Manhattan has had a devastating impact on Chinatown's vibrant tourism-related industries. Foot traffic along Mott and Pell Streets, at the heart of Chinatown, is still 40 percent lower than normal. And yet, never before have the residents of Chinatown felt more proud to be American.
Chinese Americans donated millions of dollars to the Red Cross, the September 11th Fund and other private and public charities. From the day of September 11th, Chinese Americans volunteered in every capacity at the relief centers throughout Manhattan, serving as translators, providing grief support, and helping with relief efforts near Ground Zero.
Unfortunately, main stream media has barely covered the economic devastation or the positive responses in Chinatown. Therefore, the Asian American Federation of New York is producing a film to document life in Chinatown after September 11th. The main characters of the film will be laid off garment workers, limousine drivers, restaurant workers and gift shop owners. Their stories will illustrate how this community is actively engaged recovering from the devastation. Several individuals have agreed to be interviewed for the film. However, the filmmaker is searching for more individuals who have been economically and emotionally affected to come forward with their stories.
The documentary will be distributed to schools and social service agencies. The Federation is also working to have the show air on Channel THIRTEEN, which covers the tri-state region.
The filmmaker is Renata Huang, an American born Chinese whose parents came from Taiwan. Last year she produced a one-hour special on Chinese Americans in New York for Channel THIRTEEN called Harmony & Spirit. She recently completed work on a film about New York's City Council Elections that will also air on Channel THIRTEEN. Ms. Huang entered the field of journalism while living abroad in Taiwan. She worked as a daily news reporter in Taiwan for roughly four years. She graduated from Columbia Journalism School in 2001.
If you would like to share your thoughts and/or stories, please contact Ms. Huang at 718.431.2321. (Press release from Asian American Federation of New York).