CHINATOWN BEAUTIFICATION DAY

唐人街美化日

WHAT IS CHINATOWN BEAUTIFICATION DAY?

What began as a mission to address the concerns of the negligence of post 9/11’s Lower East Side has since then evolved into a two-part event that brings youth from all around New York City to participate in a unique learning experience that will inspire them to take action from their own home and support Chinatown through community building, art, and beyond. Every year, over 200+ youth volunteers attend Chinatown Beautification Day (CBD).

YOUTH CONFERENCE

The conference is a full-day event for youth participants to explore the social justice issues and experiences that they are interested in or already passionate about. Through a day of workshops, panels, and small group discussions, participants explore solutions to these obstacles while educating and empowering their peers.

This day gives volunteers the opportunity to go out onto the streets of Chinatown armed with brooms, dustpans, and garbage bags to ‘beautify’ Chinatown. This part of the event acts as a message, signifying to those who traverse Chinatown to remember to care for the community and remind each other about the spirit of Chinatown.

CLEAN-UP DAY

DAY 1

DAY 2

ROOTS & RESILIENCE

Chinatown Beautification Day’s theme for 2023 reflects the core values that have held Chinatown together for decades, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Roots & Resilience” focuses on the diverse traditions and multi-faceted cultures that make up Manhattan’s Chinatown. From Lunar New Year celebrations to DIY lantern projects, Chinatown’s community members have been at the center of keeping Chinatown’s heritage and spirit alive. Resilience focuses on the strength that Chinatown has shown through the countless protests and petitions against issues negatively impacting the community since its origin. The youth conference portion of CBD serves as an opportunity for CYI to educate participants on ways they can take action in their community and be engaged in civic activities that promote social cohesion, thus fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility. With the two components combined, this year’s theme reaches into the values that provide the foundation for Chinatown, a home for many families.

MEET OUR PARTNERS

Thank you to each team, organization, and speaker who contributed to Chinatown Beautification Day 2023! By graciously collaborating with us, CYI is able to reach a larger portion of the Chinatown community by tapping into our partners’ expertise and resources, enhancing our organization’s long-term sustainability. Our strong partnerships are key to CBD’s success as it fosters trust and solidarity, which strengthens our network of support and ultimately the overall social fabric of Chinatown. The sense of unity felt after the 2-day event is a powerful force for positive change.

Wellington Chen and Chinatown Partnership support Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

The New York Chinese School support Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

MEET OUR CBD TEAM

The team is composed of high school youth from New York City who will recruit over 150 high school students and oversee CBD’s three main focus areas: workshops, event logistics, and public relations. Coordinators are committed to serving Manhattan’s Chinatown and are passionate about the history and issues facing Asian Americans and other underrepresented communities.