Los Angeles-based Chinatown Market has announced it will change its name in response to push back that arose during a rise in crimes targeting members of Asian American communities.
The statement reads in part: “The Asian American community is rightfully demanding all of us think and act more honestly. We should have done this sooner but it is never too late to do the right thing.”
Chinatown founder Michael Cherman who is not Asian angered activists who noted while the brand was inspired by New York’s Asian American Canal Street community, he and the brand initially had chosen not to participate in activist activations.
On March 18, 2021, the brand published a Stop Asian Hate post on Instagram where the brand noted it was working with Eric Toda, a Stop Asian Hate activist and community organizer, on how to best engage in the movement.
Find the full statement below.