Our recent event on May 31, 2026 of The -Ism Storytellers Project was a remarkable success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of around 80 individuals to the Portland Chinatown Museum.
In partnership with the Portland Chinatown Museum and MediaRites, our host/curator Roberta Wong is presenting two pairs of siblings who will tell stories about a Portland that doesn’t really exist anymore due to gentrification and the moving of Chinese-American residents to outer Portland.
We heard stories about “A Sense of Belonging” from siblings Melvin Lee and Frances Lee Perkins and siblings Barbara Janac and Ronald Wong. And come with your own remembrance of Chinatown or mark some changes you’ve experienced as Portland has grown.
This gathering served as a poignant reminder of the vibrant tapestry of memories woven by our community’s elders, who shared their heartfelt recollections of life in Chinatown during its heyday. The stories of cherished restaurants, childhood friendships with Jewish and Japanese neighbors, and reflections on the profound changes wrought by displacement resonated deeply with all present.
We also delved into the poignant histories of SRO hotels and the “bachelor society,” shedding light on the struggles faced by men separated from their families due to the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943). The rich narratives exchanged sparked a lively dialogue, as audience members eagerly contributed their own memories and questions.
