Chinatown
- George Figueroa
- Mar 16, 2018
- 2 min read
Living near major city hubs definitely has its perks, one of which is the accessibility to diverse delicate cultures and neighborhoods. One minute you can be in Little Tokyo and the next you're in Chinatown which is the subject of this mini photo series.
Sierra and I recently took the opportunity to scope out Chinatown in Los Angeles. I was not sure what to expect but overall it was a fun experience. We went on a Saturday evening and I honestly thought it would be filled with people bustling about during the weekend night but the opposite was true. Most businesses were closing shop around 8 and the streets began to quiet down.
Historically, Chinatown was a larger area and was thriving early on, between the 1890’s thru early 1910’s.
The law prohibited most Chinese to become citizens therefore they were prohibited from owning any land and instead became lessees, or tenants. Many residents were threatened by impending redevelopment. Slowly, owners began to neglect upkeep of buildings and eventually the land was purchased to make room for the Union Station restructuring Chinatown into the hub it is today. Because of this development, many residents were evicted and relocated into what is now Chinatown.
The history of Chinatown is a fluctuating tale of good and bad and a stark reflection of America’s history and its treatment of immigrants. However, the citizens continue to celebrate their heritage and still hold many festivals that light up the night.
I left Chinatown with a greater respect for those residing there now and in the past. The people I encountered were friendly and work tirelessly to provide for their families day in and day out.
These images are just a fraction of my experience but I believe they embody my perception of the ambiance that night. It was like stepping back into time where neon lights and lanterns lit up my path.
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