Watch Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968

Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968 is a documentary film that delves into the story of the world-changing events that occurred in April of that year. The documentary is directed by Yi Chen and was produced in 2019. Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968 is a sobering and informative tale of the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in Los Angeles, as seen through the eyes of Chinese American residents at the time. It is a rare insight into the civil rights movement from the perspective of an underrepresented ethnic community, whose valuable contributions to the movement have gone largely unacknowledged.

The film explores the experiences of a wide range of people who lived in Chinatown during this tumultuous time. It interviews family members of the late Reverend James Edward Jones, who played a key role in organizing the Civil Rights movement in LA. Jones' family shares their memories of growing up in Chinatown and how they responded to Martin Luther King Jr.'s death.

Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968 also features interviews with other vital members of the Chinese American community at that time, including a Chinese laundryman who served as an armed guard to protect a gun store from looters during the riots that followed King's assassination. The documentary explores his motivations and how this incident affected his life.

The film also features interviews with social workers who worked to help the Chinese American community during the riots and with community activists who bravely fought for civil rights in their own community, but whose efforts have largely been ignored by history.

Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968 accurately depicts the fear, the anger and the chaos that erupted in Los Angeles following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, while at the same time offering a unique perspective on the tumultuous time from the viewpoint of Chinese American residents of the city.

The documentary exposes the common misunderstandings and tensions that existed between the Chinese American and African American communities at the time, highlighting the work that needed to be done to create more understanding and unity between the two groups.

Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968 is an educational and insightful film that captures a pivotal and dynamic moment in American history, as seen through the perspective of a community that has been largely overlooked. The film does an excellent job of bringing this community's experiences to life and showcasing their important contribution to civil rights in America while still being respectful of the African American experience.

Overall, Through Chinatown's Eyes: April 1968 is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on an often-overlooked period of American history. While there are certainly difficult moments within the film, it is ultimately an inspiring story of people coming together to work for change and a better world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in civil rights, and for those who are interested in learning more about this underrepresented group's place in history.