Day 285: I Wor Kuen, Manhattan, New York
đź“Ś APIA Every Day (285) -The I Wor Kuen (IWK) New York City Office Building on 24 Market Street, located in Chinatown, Manhattan, holds significant historical and cultural relevance as a hub for the Chinese American revolutionary movement in the 1970s. The office was the base of operations for I Wor Kuen, a Marxist-Leninist organization that emerged from the Chinese American community in the United States. The organization was deeply involved in advocating for the rights and political empowerment of Chinese immigrants, fighting against racial oppression, and working toward social and economic justice. The office served not only as a meeting point for its members but also as a space for organizing, activism, and discussions about revolution, identity, and solidarity within the larger context of Asian American and working-class struggles.
The I Wor Kuen organization itself was founded in the early 1970s, initially as part of the broader wave of leftist political movements during the era, including the Black Panther Party and other radical groups. The group's activities were centered around labor organizing, anti-imperialism, and raising awareness of issues such as community health, housing discrimination, poor working conditions, and the exploitation of Chinese immigrant workers. The New York City office played a critical role in these efforts, acting as a focal point for collaboration and community building. However, as political dynamics shifted in the late 1970s, the organization eventually dissolved.
The I Wor Kuen New York City Office represents a vital intersection between activism and the specific needs and struggles of the Chinatown community. The office itself was not just a political headquarters but a site that reflected the values of solidarity and cultural pride, mirroring how Chinese immigrant communities in New York have long relied on localized support systems to navigate racial discrimination and socio-economic hardships. The office, like other historic places of activism in immigrant communities, reflects a place-based ethic of care, resilience, and transformation—where people come together to create change that directly impacts their lives. Although no historic preservation efforts exist to preserve the building, its role as a community organization space reflects IWK's broader efforts to protect Manhattan's Chinatown and its residents from displacement, contributing to the larger social histories of the community.
Written by Billy Zeng
LEARN MORE:
Gothamist: How Asian-American Radicals Brought 'Yellow Power' To Chinatown
The Clio: New York’s First Chinese-American Collective Struggles against Landlords’ Eviction
NYC Archives Trust: We Won’t Move
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