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One of my favorite objects in the Archives is the International District After Dawn,
a documentary produced by the Seattle Department of Community Development in 1984.
The District has had to cope with a history of disruptions
and intrusions on community life dating to its origin.
The construction of Interstate 5 and the Kingdome created a physical
and psychological barrier as they split the community from the rest of Seattle.
Following the murders
of cannery labor activists and the Wah Mee massacre in the early 1980s,
negative press coverage critically impacted
the Chinatown-International District community.
The media depicted the neighborhood
as “dangerous,” resulting in decreased patronage of CID businesses.
In an effort to reshape public perception and promote the rich culture,
vibrant community, and successful local businesses in the neighborhood,
the Department of Community Development’s Office of Urban Conservation partnered
with the International Special Review District Board
to develop a public relations program, which included
an annual report, a walking tour for the press, and this video.
Phillip Fujii spearheaded the project and the group
conducted a survey to gather feedback from community stakeholders.
The video follows various CID residents, community activists, and business
owners on an average day.
Prominent members of the community are interviewed
about their work and efforts to restore the neighborhood, including Bob Santos,
Sue Taoka, Irene Woo, and Ron Chew, all of which either served on
or contributed to the work
of the International Special Review District Board over the years.
The narrative highlights various ways that the community has overcome
challenges and continues to thrive.
All facets of the neighborhood are featured, such as social services,
health care, dining, retail, arts
and culture, entertainment, and preservation of historic buildings.
The documentary originally aired on local news channel KING-5
and was screened for CID residents at the Bush-Asia Center.
Being able to know the people who live here has is enriched
my life, and I just don't see, regardless of where I am
at, actually being very far from from the district.
Because by being here, it just kind of winds up in your heart.
The footage shows sweeping views of the city skyline,
offering a glimpse into how much not only the Chinatown-International District,
but all of Seattle has changed over the past 40 years.
To view this
and other archival footage of the CID, please visit seattle.gov/cityarchives.
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