Oakland's Chinatown

Images of America: California

by William Wong

Oakland's Chinatown has a history every bit as compelling as its more famous neighbor across San Francisco Bay. Chinese have been a presence in Oakland since the 1850s, bringing with them a rich and complex tradition that survived legalized discrimination that lingered until the 1950s. Once confined to a small area of downtown where restaurants stir-fried, laundries steamed, and vegetable stands crowded the sidewalks, Chinese gradually moved out into every area of Oakland, and the stands evolved into corner groceries that cemented entire neighborhoods. Chinese helped Oakland grow into a modern business and cultural center and have gained prominence in every aspect of the city's commerce, politics, and arts.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2004

Reviews

[Mike F · Rating 4 out of 5]

A photo-documentary of Oakland Chinatown with some general facts.
What is evident is that much of Oakland Chinatown's history was either not
recorded or remains out there to be collected. Still, it is a good read to get
a sense of this community, one that I knew first-hand growing up.