In an effort to enhance the understanding of Asian American culture in the city, the University recently awarded the Asian American/Asian Research Institute a grant to conduct a 10-week workshop, “Chinatown in the 21st Century,” that will address the future of the district—and not only the famous one in Lower Manhattan.

“‘Chinatown’ is a symbolic way of saying Asian-American communities in general, and comprises not only the historic downtown area of Manhattan, but also the newly developed neighborhoods of Flushing in Queens and Sunset Park in Brooklyn,” said the Institute’s Executive Director, Thomas Tam.

The weekly discussions and presentations will explore new directions for development, as well as issues like immigration, self-identity for new Asian Americans, and political leadership. The workshop will also produce a streaming video, CDs and publications for further use in public schools and colleges offering courses in cultural diversity and Asian studies. The video will be available for viewing at www.aaari.info.

The workshop kicks off on March 26 with a reception at 25 West 43rd Street, 18th floor, that will feature the city’s first elected Asian-American, Councilman John Liu.