Protesters Decry Museum of Chinese in America's Acceptance of 'Jail Money' at Town Hall
On July 21, demonstrators gathered outside a community center in the Lower East Side of NYC, criticizing the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) for its acceptance of a $35 million grant associated with the construction of a jail in Chinatown. This protest coincided with a town hall meeting at the Manny Cantor Center, where President Michael Lee argued that the funding was essential for the museum's continued operation. Youth Against Displacement and other protesters contended that the grant ties MOCA to gentrification. Lee emphasized the museum's opposition to the jail but noted the necessity of the funds to prevent closure. Community members referenced a 2021 report linking the grant to the closure of Rikers, as the museum, which holds over 85,000 items, has faced artist withdrawals and protests since the grant's acceptance.
Key facts
- Protesters marched on July 21 in front of Manny Cantor Center in Lower East Side, New York City.
- MOCA President Michael Lee defended a $35 million capital grant from the city, accepted in 2019.
- The grant is tied to the construction of a Chinatown jail, part of the plan to replace Rikers Island.
- Protesters accuse MOCA of accepting 'jail money' and complicity in gentrification and displacement.
- Lee stated the museum opposes the jail but took the money to avoid closure and purchase its Centre Street space.
- Youth Against Displacement (YAD), Planet Over Profit, and East Park River ACTION organized the protest.
- Aaron Yin cited a 2021 New York Magazine report where DCLA admitted the grant was tied to closing Rikers.
- MOCA houses over 85,000 objects documenting the Chinese-American diaspora.
- Protesters criticized Lee's role as board member of Chinese-American Planning Council, facing a wage theft lawsuit.
- Former MOCA board member Jonathan Chu was criticized for his role in the closure of restaurant Jing Fong.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Lee
- Zi Shun Ning
- Aaron Yin
- Rocky Chin
- Melinda Chiu
- Liang Chen
- Pat Arnow
- Jonathan Chu
- Vic Lee
- June Lee
- Herb Tam
Institutions
- Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
- Manny Cantor Center
- Youth Against Displacement (YAD)
- Planet Over Profit
- East Park River ACTION
- Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC)
- Legal Aid Society
- Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
- Coalition to Protect Chinatown
- Chinese Staff and Workers Association
- Hyperallergic
- New York Magazine
Locations
- New York City
- Lower East Side
- Chinatown
- Manhattan
- Rikers Island
- Centre Street
- Elizabeth Street