History of SF Chinatown w/ David Lei

Many people, tourists and San Franciscans alike, think of Chinatown as restaurants and knickknacks, and don’t recognize Chinatown for the culturally rich, deeply historical, and close knit community it is. It is a neighborhood as resilient as its people, both of which have faced turmoil and struggle in their histories. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak to David Lei, who shared his encyclopedic knowledge of Chinatown’s history with us. David Lei worked in Chinatown as a social worker for at-risk youth before starting his business in 1981 where he specialized in exporting consumer products to Mexico. In 2003 Lei sold his business, retiring to indulge his passions for community building, youth education, and the arts. He is an active participant with several nonprofit organizations including The Chinese Performing Arts Foundation, the Asian Art Museum, the Chinese American Community Fund, Chung Ngai Dance Troupe, Academy of Chinese Performing Arts, World Arts West - San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, the Bancroft Library, and the Center for Asian American Media. David Lei is a tried and true San Franciscan, he grew up attending San Francisco public schools, graduated from UC Berkeley, and raised a family here. Meet David Lei!