AARP and PCDC Host Documentary Screening

AARP Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation hosted an in-person screening of Chinatown Stories: Philadelphia’s YeShi Night Market, the first documentary episode of AARP’s series on the resilience of Chinatowns across the United States.

Screened at the Crane Center in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, the event was attended by more than 200 residents, including elected officials and influencers throughout the region.

The afternoon event was kicked off by AARP Vice President, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Daphne Kwok. She spoke shortly after arriving from a volunteer event feeding residents at On Lok House, which provides affordable housing for low-income seniors in the area. Kwok introduced several area leaders, including PCDC Executive Director John Chin, Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich, State Reps. Mary Isaacson, Keith Harris and Danilo Burgos, and Council Members Rue Landau and Nina Ahmad. The event was also attended by Phoenixville Mayor Urchelet and Philadelphia Council Member Mark Squilla.

The 22-minute episode of Chinatown Stories was then screened before a large audience, showcasing both Chinatown’s rich culture and history of resilience, as well as plans for capping I-676, which cut Chinatown in two when it was built. Inthe future, this "cap" will connect the North and South sections of the Philadelphia neighborhood.

Developed in collaboration with the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and our colleagues in AARP Illinois, this film showcases Chinatown’s history, the challenges it has overcome, and the ongoing work to preserve and strengthen this vital neighborhood.

At AARP, we are committed to uplifting stories that reflect the diverse experiences of people across generations. This documentary is a testament to the strength and perseverance of Chinatown residents—past and present—who have shaped these vibrant neighborhoods while facing challenges, advocating for their rights, and preserving their heritage. AARP is proud to be committed working with leaders in Chinatown to make sure the neighborhood thrives.

But our state office cannot do it alone. This project was made possible because of the collaboration of many leaders across multiple states, especially AARP Pennsylvania Volunteer State President Nora Dowd Eisenhower, PCDC Executive Director John Chin, AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania Associate State Director Grace Rustia, AARP Illinois Monika Wnuk, and AARP Regional Vice President Sarah Jennings.

Visit our Flickr page for more photos of the documentary screening.

Watch the short documentary, AARP Presents: Chinatown Stories Episode 1 on YouTube.