HAPI members continue Eureka Chinatown Project
Back in 2021, Humboldt Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (HAPI) community members came together to initiate The Eureka Chinatown Project (ECP) as a way to commemorate the diverse history of the first Chinese residents in Humboldt County.
In 1882 The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed, which banned the entry of Chinese immigrants into the United States for 10 years, being the first immigration law to prohibit individuals based on ethnicity in the United States. In February 1886, the committee of fifteen persisted by encouraging other cities throughout Humboldt County to expel their Chinese residents. As a result, Chinese residents were driven out of Ferndale in February and March and out of Arcata in April. It has now been 140 years since the expulsion of Chinese immigrants from Humboldt County, and HAPI is continuing strong in their work to ensure that the dark history does not go untold.
New developments
Around a quarter of a million dollars have been raised for a monument project, but due to rising prices of materials over the last few years, it might not be enough. Fundraising efforts will continue, there is some hope from HAPI members that construction can begin later this year.
“Until we get a bid out, we won’t get an exact price or an exact date,” said Vicki Ozaki, a HAPI member.
The proposed monument will include stone markers of different heights in order to symbolize the evolving population of Chinese residents over time, accompanied by a Moon archway in the center. At the beginning the markers represented the growth of the Chinese community from the 1850s to 1880s. Then there is a swift change to flat markers after the 1885 expulsion and 70 year banishment period. With a rise again towards the end to demonstrate the return of Asian people to Humboldt County since the mid 1950s. The monument will also feature a poem created by HAPI member, Daryl Chin.
“I have been a part of the ECP since the beginning and it has been really amazing and gratifying to work at the intersection of art and history,” said Ozaki.
Within the first five months of its creation, The Eureka Chinatown Project was able to achieve some of its initial goals including the renaming of an old Chinatown alleyway (between 4th and 5th streets) to Charlie Moon Way, and the implementation of informational interpretive signs on the corners of 5th and F streets and 5th and E streets.
“All the work we’ve done is to make connections,” said Chin. “Naming it Charlie Moon Way was a way to bridge the expulsion and the Native American community, those who remained here in Humboldt County.”
The construction of a public art monument on the corner of 1st and E streets that will honor the journey of Chinese community members throughout their time here in Humboldt. In its conception, the original idea was to create a plaque that would discuss the history of the old Chinatown; the project has since been continually evolving.
“This monument exemplifies how past actions can be acknowledged and reframed with present day grace, compassion, and beauty in the form of public art, education, and poetry,” the HAPI website describes.
Anyone interested in participating in a tour of the Eureka Chinatown, whether as an individual or as part of a group, can arrange a date and time by contacting hapi.humboldt@gmail.com
Elements of the Eureka Chinatown Monument:
Hope: In the mid 1800s, Chinese immigrants began to arrive in Humboldt County. They left harsh living conditions, civil unrest, and poverty looking for better opportunities and a new life.
Gold Mountain (Gam Saan): The Cantonese nickname for California following the discovery of gold which lured people with the promise of wealth.
Chinatown: In 1885, the Chinese community comprised 5% of the population in Eureka. Most lived in a segregated area near 4th and E streets. Chinatown provided a cultural hub to celebrate holidays, traditions, speak their language, eat traditional foods and seek community and safety.
Expulsion: On Feb. 6 1886, rising anti-Chinese sentiment coupled with an accidental shooting sparked an angry mob that drove out more than 300 Chinese residents from Eureka in 24 hours and forced them onto ships headed to San Francisco. The Chinese expulsion was followed by 70 years of banishment in Eureka until the mid 1950s.
Resistance: In 1886, fifty-six expelled Eureka Chinese residents including two women sued the city for lost wages and property. Wing Hing vs the City of Eureka was one of the nation’s first lawsuits for reparations.
Resilience: Chinese people remained in Humboldt County after the expulsion despite claims to the contrary. Charlie Moon was famous for being the last Chinese person in Humboldt. However, over a hundred Chinese miners continued to work in northern Humboldt and four Chinese men Charlie Wong, Faun Pang, Bow Wong and John Cook recorded in the 1900 U.S. Census.
Return: In the mid 1950s, Ben Chin was one of the first Chinese Americans to set up a business in Eureka. He brought other family members to Eureka and despite facing extreme local prejudice, they created successful businesses and a life here.
Community: There is a small but growing diverse community in Humboldt that spans the Asian diaspora and includes allies and supporters.
Hope (looking forward): Reflects on our desire to work as a community in solidarity to welcome all and create a more inclusive and diverse future.
