January 3, 2025 | Vol. 54, Issue 1

The only bilingual Chinese-English Newspaper in New England

Year: 2021

rendering by DiMella Shaffer

Hyde Park Shows its Pryde: LGBT Senior Housing

In August of 2020, Pennrose was granted approval by the City of Boston to develop a housing complex for low-income, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) seniors. Now, nearly a year after the initial green-lighting, this groundbreaking project has Tentative Developer Designation status, and is being executed alongside partnering non-profit organization LGBTQ Senior Housing, Inc. The idea for such a development was born from local community members. Philippe Saad, Vice President of LGBTQ Senior Housing Project, Inc., and Principal […]

Significant Project Planned in Fenway

Known for the Green Monster and the iconic Citgo sign, Fenway might be undergoing a 2.1 million square foot redevelopment. It would transform Van Ness Street, Brookline Street, Jersey Street, and Lansdowne Street into office, residential, and retail spaces. The goal is to turn the hallowed streets of Fenway into a metropolis of people, retail and commerce.  The project was proposed by WS-Fenway-Twins Realty Venture, a collaboration between Fenway Sports Group Real Estate and the D’Angelo family, owners of the […]

Chinatown Neighborhood Council Hosts Mayoral Candidates

On July 19, the Chinatown Neighborhood Council hosted three of the City of Boston mayoral candidates at its meeting. City Councilor Andrea Campbell, City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George, and former Chief of Economic Development, John Barros, joined the council online to talk to council members and field questions. Each candidate had the opportunity to talk about their history and links to the City of Boston, as well as their focus if they were to be elected mayor.  Council co-moderator, Sherry […]

An Early History of Chinese Herbalists in Boston

Within two years of the establishment of Boston’s Chinatown, there was a Chinese herbal doctor in the community. In the early newspapers, the importance of such herbalists was very evident, and they’re still vital in Chinatown today.  One of the first detailed references to a Chinese herbalist, who wasn’t named, was in the Boston Post, April 26, 1896. The writer sought treatment for a severe cold in his chest and the herbalist felt his pulse. He then wrote a prescription which […]

wakuwaku food

Tradition meets Innovation at WakuWaku Ramen + Saké

A phoenix is rising from the dust of the old Suishaya restaurant in Chinatown. Closing in March due to the pandemic, Suishaya was in many locals’ Chinatown rotation for Korean staples and sushi. Henry Wong, owner of Hong Kong Eatery, took the opportunity to reimagine what this space could be.  The new ramen and sake restaurant is in its “soft opening” phase, giving the manager, Dixon Leung, the opportunity to hire and train staff to run the sleek new concept. […]

MBTA Nova bus Better Bus Project

MBTA announces newest addition to the “Better Bus Project”

On June 8, MBTA announced the Bus Network Redesign plan (BNR) under its “Better Bus Project” to improve the bus service system. The plan marks MBTA’s effort in providing better access to jobs, education, and essential services for the residents of transit-critical communities, such as Roxbury, Everett, Chelsea, Mattapan, and Lynn. As a part of MBTA’s $8-billion, 5-year systemwide capital investment program since 2018, it now claims to deliver a more equitable future of transportation by ameliorating many travel inconveniences […]

Wang YMCA sign outside building

Gyms provide lifeline during pandemic, contribute to physical health

Photo courtesy of Hongyu Liu While many gyms temporarily closed down at the onset of the pandemic in 2020, they incorporated many innovations to continue serving their communities during the past year. Spaces like the Wang YMCA and Downtown Crossing’s Planet Fitness are no exception. Although many Chinatown residents may have been reluctant to leave their houses during this time, representatives from these gyms acknowledge that physical wellness leads to mental health and that workout facilities can foster social interaction. […]

yellow sign American flags Chinatown rally

Mental health resources in the age of anti-Asian hate

The increasing prevalence of anti-Asian hate crimes threatens Asian Americans’ physical safety and endangers our mental health. The AAPI 2020-2021 National Report documented 3,795 anti-Asian hate incidents in the US from March 2020 to February 2021. Exposure to and fear of racism can lead to race-based traumatic stress. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) encountered difficulties seeking mental health care due to cultural stigma, language barriers, and insufficient access to culturally informed care. Pandemic-related stress, whether […]

Boston's Chinatown in A Tale of Three Chinatowns Film

“A Tale of Three Chinatowns” raises concerns about neighborhoods’ survival

Photo courtesy of ArtsEmerson “A Tale of Three Chinatowns” is a documentary film screened through the Roxbury International Film Festival, in partnership with the Shared Stories series at ArtsEmerson. The movie, which focuses on the survival of Chinatowns in Boston, Washington D.C., and Chicago, will be played from June 23-27. It explores the persistence of Chinatowns in these cities, examining their roles as cultural gateways and as homes to communities of immigrants. Due to urban development and gentrification, many of […]

Dr. Ensang Cheng: Boston’s first Chinese licensed physician

The first Chinese doctors in the U.S. were herbalists, following an ancient tradition, and there are still Chinese herbalists today, including in Boston’s Chinatown. In the late 19th century, a handful of Chinese residents chose to attend American medical schools to receive a degree as a Medical Doctor, or M.D.  In New England, Ensang Waniella Cheng became the first male Chinese student to graduate from Harvard Medical school, and was the only licensed Chinese doctor in New England for nearly […]

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