We are more than happy to feauture a project from one of our contributors – Htet Gyaw. “Down by Canal” explores Chinatown, Manhattan through the alleys and shops surrounding Canal Street. In between the bright awnings and neon signs, the people of Chinatown navigate their way as workers, tourists, and residents. Half of profits will go to “A Million Masks: Coronavirus Support Fund,” a fundraiser dedicated to supplying medical-grade KN95 masks to NYC hospitals.
I initially delayed releasing the book because of this Covid situation. With all of us staying inside, hospitals being overwhelmed, and rising hate crime toward Asians, I decided it’s actually a good time to publish the book now. Chinatown also serves as a visual representation of Asian America to me. Although I am Burmese-American and not Chinese, the people and the foods of Chinatown are a familiarity to me that I feel comfortable around.
Follow Htet: @htetster
