“Bowl of Memories and Joy”
by: A-VOYCE Chinatown 2020-2021 Tier 1 Youth
Image by Hudson Street Stoop: Storytell & Sway Artist, Gianna Stewart
TIER 1 YOUTH’S Vision
“After learning about the challenges Chinatown faces, we learned from residents that Hudson Street use to be a place where everyone knew each other and where neighbors felt like extended family. We also wanted to help bring the community together. Food - regardless of our culture, where we come from, or how different our lived experiences are - has the ability to bring people together.”
Background Information
In the early 20th century, Hudson Street was filled with kids playing as neighbors sat on their front stoops and chatted with each other.
Today, the gentrification of our neighborhood makes the street feel a bit different.
As a part of ACDC’s “Hudson Street Stoop” project, the youth leaders of A-VOYCE Chinatown Tier 1 also set out to answer two questions: How can we create a more inclusive community where everyone feels that they belong? How can we celebrate the past memories of Hudson Street and make space for new ones?
Their solution: art and storytelling through food!
TIER 1 YOUTH PROJECT: A TAKE-HOME ART KIT
“Bowl of Memories and Joy”
Youth sent take-home art kits to residents and youth with guided instructions. The kits engaged residents and youth think about food that bought them joy or reminds them of home and then draw, write, or describe it. Below is the pamphlet that was included with the kit.
Serving up Stories
Below is all of the artwork that was submitted by those who live, work, play in Boston’s Chinatown. Click on the images for a closer look and to read their stories!
Please note that this was a prototype for A-VOYCE Tier 1 leaders to test out their idea. We hope in the future to continue and improve this project by making it more accessible to those who live, work, or play in Chinatown. Thank you for taking the time to read about our project! We hope some of these artwork and stories resonate with you.
2020-2021 Tier 1 Team: Alex Yu, Ange Najam,Betty Zhao, Donald Ma, Eryn Hershenson, Eva Yuan, Jessica Hui, Lily Huang, Nafisa Zaman, Nhu Tran, Quyen Vo, Susan Chen, Susanna Dai, Xochitl Tai-Dawson, and Yong Wen Ma.
