Eugene Moy: Birth of Chinatown and Discrimination

Eugene Moy is not only the former president and leader of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, he's also a cool cat and surprisingly, not a historian. An urban planner for the City of El Monte, Moy's passion for Chinatown comes from his love of Los Angeles' multi-ethnic history. Eugene is not interested in setting the "record straight," as many historians and organizations may tend (and need) to do; his real desire seems to come from his need to reflect on his own multicultural upbringing. We sat with Eugene in one of the most trafficked pedestrian areas in Chinatown to talk about his views on the birth of Chinatown, discovering one's roots and the future of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles.

Discovering Your Roots
"Eugene Moy discusses the importance of local cultural centers in discovering one's heritage and building ties through the community."

On the Birth of Chinatown
"Eugene Moy discusses the arrival of Chinese development and early trends of Chinatown's inhabitants."

Discrimination and the New Chinatown
"Eugene Moy discusses racial covenants and discrimination throughout Los Angeles' history."

New Generations
"Eugene Moy describes the American 'vision' and how its idea has changed for Chinatown residents over history."

About Gentrification
"Eugene Moy discusses changes in Chinatown's social make-up and feels it is part of an unintentional gentrification process."