Inside Insider’s mission to document the resilience of NYC’s Chinatown

The Brief

With historic discrimination and the pandemic’s impact looming over it, this was a community determined to redefine their family businesses and traditions for a new era.

The Idea

With an emphasis on the future and a forward-thinking perspective, Han and Lin aimed to shed light on the efforts made by business owners in Chinatown. By countering commercialization and honoring family legacies of craftsmanship, the duo captured the spirit of a community fighting back against gentrification and adversity. Lin’s stunning portraits showcased the owners’ deep connections to their trades, highlighting their resilience, adaptability and dedication to their community and heritage.

The Results

Over the course of four months, Insider’s cross-collaboration efforts culminated in a two-part series that celebrated the revitalization of America’s Chinatowns. Through Han’s reporting and Lin’s photographs, readers were transported into the heart of the community, witnessing the stories of individuals and spaces that embody the thriving and evolving nature of the neighborhood. The series provided a platform for the next generation to showcase their businesses, fostering recognition and appreciation for their contributions within a historically difficult period for the AAPI population.

This case study paints a vivid picture of a community that continues to persevere, adapt and preserve its cultural heritage amid the challenges of the modern world.

This campaign won at The Drum Awards for Online Media 2023. Find out more about The Drum’s Global Awards program or head to our case studies hub to read more award-winning stories.