This year, ALUMNI is ringing in the Lunar New Year with Welcome to Chinatown to show love to the people and businesses that call Manhattan’s Chinatown home. We interviewed individuals who preserve and strengthen the Chinatown community through various means.
Through Run for Chinatown, Leland Yu helps to foster community, health, and strength for the those who work and live in Chinatown. They collaborate with and support local businesses through projects and initiatives. In May, 2020, Leland completed a 12-hour fundraising challenge covering 61 miles to raise $25,000. We spoke to him about how he celebrates Lunar New Year.
How do you celebrate the new year?
Celebrating the Lunar New Year starts with a family dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve. After some family time, I head out to join the Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club for “Midnight Madness,” the opening lion dance festivities signaling the start of the new year. The following weeks will include more family gatherings and lion dance parades. The final parade, “Super Saturday,” is the biggest one with all the local businesses open and all the lion dance groups marching around Chinatown to celebrate the end of the holiday.
We styled Leland blending products you can find at ALUMNI of NY and Welcome to Chinatown. A purchase of Welcome to Chinatown apparel supports all the amazing work they are doing directly supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in Chinatown.
Thank you also to the On team for providing the footwear.