The Fight For Chinese Hand Laundries

hand laundry alliance members with ambulance

01 Introduction 02 Historical Context: Working on the West Coast 03 The Emergence of Hand Laundries 04 Organizing with the Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance 05 Conclusion: The End of Hand Laundries in New York City 06 Works Cited 01 Introduction 02 Historical Context: Working on the West Coast 03 The Emergence of Hand Laundries 04 Organizing with the Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance 05 Conclusion: The End of Hand Laundries in New York City 06 Works Cited Enter

Contributor Jody Serani

Jody Serani's exhibit explores the emergence of Chinese hand laundries as an economic and social lifeline for Chinese immigrants excluded from other industries at the turn of the 20th century. Focusing on hand laundries in New York's Chinatown, the exhibit highlights the advocacy of the Chinese Hand Laundry Alliance, a short-lived but influential workers' group who organized against racist laws to carve out protections for laundry workers and their businesses.

Time period

19th century, Turn of the 20th century, Early 20th century, Mid-20th century

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