April 12, 2024 | Vol. 53, Issue 7

The only bilingual Chinese-English Newspaper in New England

Top News

From Compassion to Contempt: Shift in American Attitudes Towards Current Wave of Migrants

Sampan has been following the migrant crisis for the past four months. We have reported on emotionally charged issues including budget allocation, housing options for overflow arrivals, and discussions about the assimilation of these new families into Boston society. Today, Sampan shares the thoughts of 6 people who were eager to speak.  It is recorded through research and studies that America is a country of immigrants. From the nation’s very beginning, immigrants have defined our culture and shaped this country’s […]

Hope is On the Rise For the Boston Housing Crisis

On February 28, 2024, MassHousing and the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation (MHIC) announced their partnership in launching and growing a new $50 million Equitable Developers Fund. This fund aims to diversify and accelerate Massachusetts’ housing delivery system by providing enterprise-level financing to active but underrepresented developers from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This fund marks a huge moment as it is the largest publicly led financing program in the country.  In Massachusetts, the median price for a single-family home was […]

‘Freckled Rice’ and ‘Our Chinatown’ Explore Chinatown’s Past and Future

Arts Emerson brought back to life the local classic narrative film, “Freckled Rice,” on Feb. 18 at the Bright Family Screening Room over the Paramount Theater in a screening that included the documentary short, “Our Chinatown.” “We have found a diamond that was in someone’s treasure box and unearthed it,” said Susan Chinsen, creative producer at Arts Emerson, who is also the director of the Boston Asian American Film Festival. “Freckled Rice” is the coming-of-age story of a 13-year-old boy […]

Wu Tsang’s ‘Of Whales’ Lets You Immerse Yourself Into the World of Ocean Life

Of Whales by artist Wu Tsang is a gently calming, fully engrossing exhibit in the heart of the Institute of Contemporary Art– first presented at the Venice Biennale in 2022. On display now until Aug 4th the giant, 40-50ft long screen which displays the piece is in the Paul and Catherine Buttenwieser and Fotene Demoulas Galleries. This major work is premiering in New England in a gallery that is positioned above the Boston Harbor. According to the accompanying museum label, […]

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Center and Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) in Boston Chinatown Are Ready to Help Everyone in MA During Tax Season and They’re Free

As the new tax season begins, individuals, families, and businesses alike find themselves struggling through the complexities of filing their taxes. Paying taxes is a fundamental aspect of civic responsibility,  not just a legal requirement but as a crucial contribution to the fabric of our society. Taxes finance public services and infrastructure, roads and schools, healthcare and national defense, and ultimately the safety and wellbeing of the community. Filing your taxes can present significant challenges, for individuals for whom English […]

U.S. Census: Asians Are No. 2 Fastest Growing Group

The Census Academy of the United States Census Bureau recently hosted a webinar titled “Exploring the Diversity and Growth of the Asian American Population,” revealing that in 2021 the Asian population in the United States was roughly 23 million  — 1.2% up from 2020. The webinar revealed other key areas of growth for the population, which is highly diverse. As of 2021, Chinese were estimated to have the largest Asian population of 5.2 million in the U.S., followed by Indians […]

Pressure to Pass Anti-Bullying Bill is Dividing Legislators

Hundreds of activists in Massachusetts last October testified for ethical workplace conduct and anti-bullying legislation. Many spoke in favor of the Workplace Psychological Safety Act (WPSA), one of two proposed measures that could protect workers from mental and emotional harm. Massachusetts employment law currently prohibits discrimination against workers who fall under a protected class, or based on race or ethnicity, disability, gender, age, or religion. However, the WPSA will expand the state’s current statutes and hone in on protecting employees […]

New Sanctuary Movement Supports the Rights of Refugees, Asylees and Migrants

There has been an increasing rise of sanctuary cities in the US. These are locations that- according to the Center for Immigration Studies, provide refugees, asylees, migrants and immigrants with resources to help them live in the country. They also protect undocumented individuals from unwarranted deportation. A list of states that have sanctuary cities includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. According to Global Refugee, a sanctuary city is defined […]

Boston Water and Sewer Commission Meeting Provides a Platform for Residents’ Infrastructure Concerns in Chinatown and Downtown Neighborhoods

“My tap water is reaching temperatures of nearly 100 degrees.” described Robert Qua, a South St Leather District resident, at a recent meeting called by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission to Announce Capital Improvements and StormWater Remediation Installation. He spoke about the adverse effects of high groundwater levels on civil infrastructure. By highlighting the impact of groundwater on infrastructure integrity, he underscored the urgency of implementing measures to mitigate potential risks and safeguard critical infrastructure assets. His insights served […]

Get Ready for Super Tuesday, on March 5, to Cast Vote in Presidential Primaries, Caucuses

Super Tuesday — when a large number of states will hold presidential primary elections and caucuses — is on March 5. The states holding primary elections on Super Tuesday will be Alabama, Alaska Republican presidential caucuses, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa Democratic caucus main vote, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah Democratic presidential primary and Republican presidential caucuses, Vermont, and Virginia. U.S. presidential primary elections typically start in February and end in June. In some states, such as […]

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