CSWA Video Project

In nearly a decade, CSWA has produced important programs that document a number of our precedent setting cases and campaigns. Prior to our video project work, there was virtually no programming in the mainstream or independent realm that truly reflected the experiences and struggles of working people in Chinatown.

From our video project, different generations of low-income Chinese workers and youth have gained hands-on access and experience with producing independent media, creating a vital outlet for the voices invisible in mainstream media and the local, Chinese ethnic media.

The following are just some of the highlights of our past and present programming:

"Rising From Our Hardship" (2004) documents the historical 7-day hunger strike led by 14 workers injured on the job or sick as a result of the 9/11 toxic air fallout in front of New York State Governor George Pataki's office in midtown Manhattan.

"March on Albany: For Our Health and Lives" (2002) documented the march where New York State Governor Pataki sent police to violently shut down a peaceful march in Albany, brutalizing several disabled women protesters.

"Ain't I a Woman?!" (2000) is a video that captured the experiences and conditions of Chinese and Latino garment workers who were leading a campaign to hold DKNY, an international designer, accountable for sweatshop abuses in her NYC midtown factories.

"Streetbeat Sportswear: 137 Hour Workweeks, We Fight Back" (1998) documents a rally in response to a bosses-led attack on community organizers. The speakers denounce Streetbeat Sportswear, a garment manufacturer that imposed 137 hour workweeks on workers.

"The Campaign to End Slave Labor at Jing Fong" (1995) exposed the Jing Fong Restaurant's flagrant labor law violations, such as paying their workers 75 cents an hour, 70-hour workweeks, and tip-stealing. This campaign video also documented the landmark victory, where the Attorney General declared the workers were owed $1.5 million in backwages and stolen tips.

"Organizing for Justice Against Silver Palace" (1994) a National Hometown Award winning video that documented the nine-month picketline of Chinese restaurant workers at the Silver Palace Restaurant in Chinatown.

New Roots: Immigrant Youth Program
Sunset Park, Brooklyn Center

Many parents from our community are so overworked that they rarely have any time to spend with their children or care for their developmental needs. In response to a growing concern among immigrant parents regarding their children's education and development, CSWA created the "New Roots Immigrant Youth Program" in the summer of 2005.

New Roots provides an educational and creative environment for youth to 1) improve their English proficiency as well as their reading, writing, and math skills, 2) gain exposure to community issues and engage in local neighborhood projects, 3) participate in a supportive network with other youth from the area, and (4) take part in creative and fun activities such as swimming, field trips, bookmaking, cooking, creative writing, and more. The program is held in the summer and takes place at our Sunset Park, Brooklyn center. In addition, activities for youth are scheduled throughout the year.

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact (718) 633-9748.