“Flashback: Oral Histories of D.C. Chinatown” is a joint project between filmmaker Penny Lee and 1882 Foundation, with support from HumanitiesDC, to share unpublished oral histories of residents of D.C.’s Chinatown. Through a series of ten short films, the project showcases the voices of twelve Chinatown residents to tell stories about family, immigration, growing up in D.C., and what the community is like today.

Visit @flashbackchinatowndc for more in-depth biographical sketches of our narrators, and stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and releases of additional materials.
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Family History and Immigration (Episode 1)
How did Chinese come to Washington, D.C.? What journeys did they and …
216 views
Family Livelihood and Businesses (Episode 2)
In Episode Two, D.C. Chinatown residents share poignant and funny …
150 views
Chinese and Asian American Identity (Episode 3)
What does it mean to be American? What does it mean to be Chinese …
121 views
Growing Up in Chinatown (Episode 4)
What was it like to be a kid in Chinatown? In Episode Four, learn …
140 views
Inter-Ethnic Support, Friendships, and Community-Building (Episode 5)
In spite of racial tensions and segregation, Chinese Americans and …
88 views
Race Relations (Episode 6)
How did Chinese Americans fit into the white-black racial paradigm? In …
92 views
1968 Riots (Episode 7)
Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968, …
72 views
D.C. Riots Aftermath (Episode 8)
How did the riots affect D.C.’s Chinatown? What impact did they have …
69 views
The Future of D.C. Chinatown (Episode 9)
As development boomed in D.C. Chinatown and removed physical traces of …
107 views
The Art Ping Lee Story (Episode 10)
In this final episode, Mr. Art Ping Lee shares his story of arriving …
153 views