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

LEGENDS AND LEGACIES

Chinatown Beautification Day’s theme for 2024 highlighted the success stories of influential figures and local businesses that have enriched the neighborhood of Chinatown.

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 over the years! 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.

Project by Project supports Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

Rochelle Kwan supports Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

Heart of Dinner Chinatown supports Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

NYU Violet Diasupports Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

April Xu supports Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

youth against displacementsupports Chinatown Youth Initiatives community service project for high school youth students.

CBD Program Coordinators 2024

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.