by Kevin Epps
SAN FRANCISCO — In the heart of Chinatown, amid the aroma of noodles, dim sum, and live music from the Chinatown Noodle Festival, a powerful movement continues to grow. For the past five years, a group of Black and Chinese community members, and leaders have been meeting regularly—sharing meals, stories, and strategies—to combat the rise in violence against seniors, and heal divisions fueled by misinformation and sensationalized media narratives.
What began as a response to high-profile attacks on Asian elders has evolved into a sustained cross-cultural movement rooted in dialogue, trust, and mutual respect. I was invited by Greg Richardson, a longtime community organizer, to attend their recent gathering during the festival, hosted by the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco.
Between the “Fish Meat Dim Sum” eating contest and cultural performances, one message was clear: We are one city. One community. Hate has no home here.
Reconnecting Communities Through Culture
“This event is very important because we are one city tied together,” said Greg Richardson.
He continued, “Years ago, people from our communities would go to Chinatown just to enjoy the movies, the arts, the food, and the culture—celebrating today’s popular Asian and Black cultural icons, from music to film to fashion. But over time, we lost that closeness. That’s when misunderstandings and divisions began to grow.”
Richardson recalled how former Mayor Willie Brown helped bridge racial divides through political partnerships, followed by Mayor Ed Lee, who advanced business collaborations between Black and Asian contractors. “That was huge,” Richardson noted.
But over time—and especially during the pandemic—those relationships were strained. The group knew they had to rebuild the trust that once united the communities.
“When Papa Vicha was killed, we knew we had to come together again,” Richardson said, referring to Vicha Ratanapakdee, the 84-year-old Thai man whose tragic 2021 death shocked the city. Richardson affirmed, “That tragedy reminded us that violence isn’t the answer—togetherness is.”
Faith, History, and Healing
Community leaders from across San Francisco joined forces, including Third Baptist Church, the NAACP, and neighborhood advocates who stood together on the steps of City Hall to denounce violence and hate.
“Third Baptist Church has always been a safe haven,” Richardson explained. “Under Dr. Amos C. Brown’s leadership, we began hosting meetings where Black and Asian leaders could talk, listen, and plan as one San Francisco family. That’s where healing begins—through dialogue, through love.”
Their unity honors a deep historical connection. For example, in the 1800s, African Americans and Chinese merchants supported one another’s economic and cultural survival.
“Most people don’t know that African Americans helped fund merchant ships for Chinese traders,” Richardson said, “and that early Black builders helped construct parts of Chinatown, including the area around Portsmouth Square. We’ve always had a relationship built on mutual respect and support.”
Standing Together Against Hate
At the core of this movement are ordinary citizens with extraordinary dedication—like Ann Chan Yuey, a regular participant in the Black and Chinese dialogue group.
“We have a shared history in the community,” said Yuey. She reminded us,
“The Chinese and Black communities both get hit by American media racism trying to divide us. We’re rethinking how to stop the hate, and since the Black community supports our Chinese businesses, we’re coming together to stop all hate as one. That’s why I really appreciate Mr. Gregory Richardson. We’re building better relationships, showing community, unity, and love.”
The group continues to meet regularly, hosting cultural retreats, organizing food and art events, and working to preserve historic spaces like the Chinatown Bridge at Portsmouth Square, a symbol of connection between the two communities.
“We realized our work is not done,” Richardson said. He shares,
“We’re still here, still meeting, still building. Because if we don’t tell our story, the media will tell it for us—and not always truthfully. We’re here to show that love and solidarity are stronger than fear.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
As festival-goers filled the streets, the celebration of food and culture became something deeper—a living symbol of unity. This movement isn’t just about addressing hate; it’s about reclaiming the shared story of San Francisco’s diverse communities and reminding the city of its true spirit.
“We are one community. Black, Chinese, Asian, Latino—all of us,” Richardson said. “When we come together, we remind San Francisco of its true spirit.”
Kevin Epps is a Dad, award-winning filmmaker, community activist, author, executive editor of the SF Bay View “National Black Newspaper” and a board member for the SF Bay View Foundation. Reach him at kevin@sfbayview.com or on Instagram: kevinepps1.
