Hidden Associations
An image of the Gee Family Association building on Canal Street in New York City.
When I launched the project, I tried reaching out to all of the family associations in Chinatown that are organized by family name. I sent physical letters out to the associations and heard back from two individuals who contacted me by phone. I had the pleasure of interviewing one of them: Frank Gee, a United States veteran in his 80s, a member of the American Legion, and an integral part of his community in Chinatown — especially with his involvement with the Gee family association, located in one of the many short-and-narrow buildings that dot the landscape. The Gee's building is nestled right next to the HSBC bank by the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge. Like many of the associations in the area, it's relatively difficult to discern their locations from the street. The signage is usually on the front façade or on top of the building, which means you need to see it from the other side of the road.
Part of what fascinates me about this project is how hidden these places of connection are. Associations like the Gee's, in addition to associations related by members' ancestral homes back in China, hide in plain sight all across the country. Growing up in Boston, I remember seeing these signs in Boston's Chinatown. Even when I was growing up in Hong Kong, I remember seeing similar associations in Kowloon and wondering what they are for and who their members may be.
One of the questions that I asked Frank was how he sees Chinatown's future and the next generation. Looking at the websites of some of the more prominent family associations, it seems that these organizations are indeed trying to reach the younger Chinese-Americans and involve them in the community. Still, Frank mentioned that these organizations need to be even more progressive and forward-looking to better engage the next generation of this community-based family.
I just finished processing our hour-long (!) conversation, and am excited to share his thoughts with you in this new piece!