The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

In "American Chinatown," Bonnie Tsui explains how various Chinatowns came into existence, including the racial discrimination that led to their creation as ghettos, and how over time some of those areas became centers for cultural exchange and eventually courted the interest of outsiders.

Looking beyond the colorful tourist facades, Tsui takes us on a journey through five of America's most famous Chinatowns – in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Las Vegas – and describes how their residents relate to their Chinese heritage, and how they in turn shape the culture, the language, the food, and the history of America. In Los Angeles, for example, the residents of Chinatown had an impact on the film industry by actually appearing in movies in early 20th century, instead of being represented by White actors in "yellow face." 

Tsui also unveils just how much happens beneath the surface in each neighborhood by telling the personal stories of the people who form these vibrant and resilient communities. 

The Civil Rights Book Club aims to provide context and provoke discussion about today's top social justice concerns. Each week, we profile a book, a movie, or other media that represent the diversity of the contemporary social justice landscape on topics like voting rights, immigration reform, economic inequality, women's rights, and educational equity. You can help support The Leadership Conference by purchasing Book Club selections through the Amazon.com link on our website.