Boston

close up photo of a rat trapped inside the cage

August 24, 2022 0

Boston’s response to the rat crisis has been Inadequate

Boston is currently battling against a swelling number of rats residing in the city. Due to the closure of multiple restaurants and businesses as a result of the pandemic, rats are migrating into residential areas of the city in search of new food sources. According to the data collected from Boston’s 311 app, which is used to report rat sightings, rat and rodent-related complaints increased by 48% from 2019 to 2021. Rats pose a public health issue as the Norwegian rat, the most common species in Boston, can spread diseases such […]

August 23, 2022 0

Complaints about the T: Sampan readers speak Out

by Christopher John Stephens

We hit the streets this week to ask readers how they are coping (and will continue to cope) with the ongoing Green Line problems and the unprecedented month long shut down of the Orange Line starting August 19. Mayor Wu has pledged to make all the Boston blue bikes free for the duration of the shutdown. Extra shuttle buses will clog the streets to assist Orange Line riders coming in and out of the city, and the lucky few who […]

August 22, 2022 0

Building Bridges and strengthening relationships: an interview with Boston Police Superintendent James K. Chin

by Christopher John Stephens

The ideal of great community relationships between the police department and neighborhoods of any major city in this country is often in stark contrast with the reality. Crime statistics and verifiable incidents are too often recounted in a seemingly endless cycle of false moves, misinterpretations, and bad feelings from those on either side of issues regarding the sometimes strained relationships between police and the public they serve. The end result is more often than not a litany of complaints and […]

August 20, 2022 0

CCBA Presents the 52nd Annual Chinatown August Moon Festival

by Sampan Staff

Photos from the 52nd Annual August Moon Festival, August 14, 2022 at Phillips Square in Chinatown, sponsored by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England. Boston officials, including Mayor Michelle Wu and Police Superintendent James K. Chin, along with the New England Kung Fu Dance Association and the Boston Chinese Folk dance group, welcomed the coming fall season with a festival of joy and health. From all of us here at Sampan to all of you in Boston and beyond, best […]

August 19, 2022 0

The Games go on: 77 Years of Chinese American Volleyball

by Christopher John Stephens

Sampan talks with Dr. Bobby Guen of the North American Chinese Invitational Volleyball Tournament ahead of Sept. 3-5 event. Nearly a century ago, the Immigration Act of 1924 had basically shut down immigration from Asia to the United States. No Asians were eligible for citizenship and those who were in the U.S. could neither enter nor leave the country. By the late 1930s, the only thing a typical Chinese laborer — mostly in laundry or restaurants — in Chinatown could […]

August 8, 2022 0

Meeting Our Neighbors at the Chinatown Summer Ice Cream Social

by Christopher John Stephens

Tufts University Government and Community Relations hosted an Ice Cream Social in the neighborhood on the Health Sciences Campus in Chinatown on July 21st. It was a great opportunity to beat the heat and meet our neighbors. This reporter had the opportunity to interview Liza Perry, Deputy Director, Tufts University Government and Community Relations, about the past, present, and future of Tufts University’s role in the Chinatown community. What initiatives are you hoping to launch after the summer’s over? We […]

August 7, 2022 0

Boston’s Racist Sports Culture is Changing

by Sandy Battulga

With teams like the Celtics and Red Sox, Boston houses some of the most passionate sports fans in the United States. As much as Boston is known for athletic excellence, however, the city has also been subject to criticism over its racist past and present. Legendary Boston Celtic superstar player and coach Bill Russell, who died July 31, 2022 at the age of 88, knew all too well the scourge of racism that was thrown at him during his time […]

August 5, 2022 0

Preserving Chinatown, One Row House at A Time

by Lydia Lowe

To afford the average purchase price of a Boston home, a household would need to earn at least $181,000 a year, according to a recent Boston Globe story. In Chinatown, property values have skyrocketed since the luxury development boom and remain high despite the current recession. What has that meant for Chinatown’s immigrant, working class residents? The signs of gentrification now visible throughout the city took root early in this community. American Community Survey data for 2017 revealed that the […]

August 5, 2022 0

The August Moon Festival 2022: What’s Happening, Where, and When

by Sampan Staff

The Chinese August Moon festival is traditionally celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It is believed that the roundness of the moon represents the reunion of family in Chinese minds. For over 2000 years the usually three day celebration has been a time for a post-Autumn harvest celebration giving thanks to the gods for the blessings of hard work and family. Foods served include mooncakes, pumpkin, river snails, taro, wine fermented with […]

July 24, 2022 0

Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival: Behind the Scenes

by Sonia Cavazos

Nestled in the history of ancient China lies the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival. Filled with food, wonderful cultural traditions, and inspiring, team-oriented races, today’s Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Races and Festival offer more than entertainment. It connects people and draws them into a different culture. Strong leaders and advocates have worked to bring not only representation, but appreciation of Asian culture in America. Volunteer led and volunteer based, the leaders of Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival […]

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