 American Citizens for Justice is an Asian American nonprofit organization that provides victims of discrimination with legal, social and economic resources, and advocates for immigrants to gain full participation in the political process. Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee Announces Second Annual Chinatown Block Party Celebrating Culture, Community and the Future of Detroit’s Pan-Asian District Detroit, Mich. — The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee will host the second annual Chinatown Block Party on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the intersection of Cass Avenue and Peterboro Street in Detroit’s historic Chinatown district. Following last year’s inaugural event, which drew more than 4,000 people, the community celebration returns with expanded programming, bringing together residents, families, and visitors to experience Asian American culture while supporting local businesses and the continued revitalization of Detroit’s Chinatown. The annual event commemorates the history of Detroit's Chinatown and memorializes the demolition of the Chinese Merchants Association Building, the longtime home of the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) and the founding location of American Citizens for Justice (ACJ). One of the last remaining landmarks of Detroit's original Chinatown, the building symbolized the resilience and contributions of generations of Chinese Americans and other Asian Americans who helped shape Detroit. Through storytelling, historical exhibits, and community gathering, the event honors this legacy while gaining momentum for a vibrant Pan-Asian district. The gathering serves as both a remembrance of what was lost and a celebration of community. “The Detroit Chinatown Block Party is more than a one-day celebration,” said the Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee. “It is an opportunity to share the history of Detroit’s Asian American communities, support local businesses and build momentum for a vibrant Pan-Asian neighborhood that reflects both our heritage and our future. We are especially proud to have Song United as a Title Sponsor this year.” “The story of Detroit’s Chinatown is an important part of the city’s history, and its future deserves our collective investment, creativity and community support,” said Dug Song, founder of Song United. “We are honored to continue to support the effort to celebrate the many cultures, stories and contributions that make up Detroit’s Asian American community.” About the Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee is a volunteer-led initiative working to revitalize Detroit’s historic Chinatown district and develop a vibrant Pan-Asian destination surrounding Cass Avenue and Peterboro Street. Through community engagement, cultural programming and strategic partnerships, the committee seeks to honor Detroit’s Asian American heritage while creating a dynamic district for future generations. EVENT DETAILS
The block party will feature cultural performances, a historical exhibit, film screenings, 50+ local food and merchandise vendors, children’s activities and opportunities to learn about Detroit’s Asian American history. FEATURED CULTURAL PROGRAMMING Detroit Chinatown Historical Exhibit Returning for a second year, the Detroit Chinatown Historical Exhibit, in partnership with the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA), American Citizens for Justice (ACJ), the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), and more, will feature photographs, artifacts and stories that explore the rich history and legacy of Detroit’s Chinatown and its impact on the city. Film Screenings & Director Talks Held in Detroit’s historic Masonic Temple, this year’s film program features two acclaimed works exploring Asian American stories, identity, creativity and resilience. “Bad Axe” — Academy Award-shortlisted documentary directed by Michigan filmmaker David Siev. The film follows a Cambodian-Mexican American family in rural Michigan as they navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while fighting to keep their family restaurant and American dream alive. “Warren King: King of Cardboard” — A documentary short directed by Detroit-raised filmmaker Curtis Chin that chronicles the life and work of artist Warren King, whose intricate cardboard sculptures reflect his Chinese American family history and journey from engineer to artist. Both filmmakers will participate in audience talk-back sessions following their screenings. Event Schedule Highlights: 12:00 PM: All Day Historical Exhibition & Qigong 12:30 PM: Lion Dance 2:00 PM: Keynote and book signing by Curtis Chin, author of Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant 3:00 PM: Dragon Dance Procession 4:00 PM: Film Screenings & Director Talk-Backs (Historic Masonic Temple) RSVP for films here is encouraged, but not required, to help ensure seating. Additional activities:
Support the Detroit Chinatown Block Party While admission is free, community support helps make the Detroit Chinatown Block Party possible. The Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee is raising funds through individual donations and corporate and community sponsorships to help cover event expenses. Donate: Donations can be made through Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/detroit-chinatown-block-party-fundraising-campaign Volunteer: Volunteers are welcome to assist throughout the event. Sign-up here: https://detroitchinatownvisioncommittee.org/volunteer More information: Detroit Chinatown Block Party webpage: https://bit.ly/DetroitChinatownBlockParty
Media Contact: Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee Email: det313chinatownvisioncommittee@gmail.com  Copyright © 2026 American Citizens for Justice |
