Reclaiming Chinatown in St. Louis
St. Louis had a Chinatown, but it wasn’t just any Chinatown.
Our Chinatown formed in 1869 and lasted nearly a century before being destroyed for “progress” during Urban Renewal in 1966. Because there were few voices in media and government to recognize the contributions of this historic neighborhood, the story didn’t get much coverage. There was no public outcry to save it. And there was no one writing about the neighborhood’s impact or innovation in our history books. That’s why we like to say that representation matters.
155 years later, Chinatown is getting recognition it has never seen before — an official city honor.
On June 7, the St. Louis aldermen will vote on renaming a portion of 8th street to On Leong Way after the On Leong Merchants and Laborers Association. That group not only served Chinese workers in the city, it also became a gathering place for the community. The words On Leong also mean peace and benevolence.
READ the full KSDK News story here
The Very Asian Foundation (VAF) is hoping you’ll celebrate by supporting our Reclaiming Chinatown campaign. Local designer and VAF board member Claire Nipper is behind the look of our t-shirts and commemorative cup. Proceeds will go towards a future historical marker or landmark.
More options on our shop
VAF wants to do its part to serve the community and mention the wonderful community collaboration and research that’s been happening for years in St. Louis. From the Chinese Collecting Initiative at the Missouri Historical Society to our Asian American Civics Scholars youth rehabbing century-old graves at Valhalla Cemetery — we are united in supporting the tireless work of many community leaders and volunteers.
Special thanks to alderwoman Cara Spencer who wrote Board Bill 32 and picked up at least 12 other sponsors along the way. Much acknowledgement goes to OCA STL’s Peter Tao, AACS’ Min Liu, VAF’s Danny Poon, Missouri Historical Society’s Christopher Gordon, Washington University’s Uluğ Kuzuoğlu, and KSDK’s Tram Anh Nguyen and Eric Voss as well as community members Ed Shew and Don Ko. There are so many more people who we’re sure are unmentioned.
For now, we hope to celebrate the rich and shared history of Chinatown to uplift our Asian American community in St. Louis for ALL of St. Louis.
