Consider This from NPR Iconic Bookstore Closes, But The Community It Helped Build Lives On
May 2, 2023
The closure of Eastwind Books marks the end of a beloved hub for the Asian-American community in Berkeley. Co-owner Harvey Dong shares its rich history as a cultural haven and a catalyst for identity and connection. The discussion highlights the bookstore's roots in activism, its evolution towards inclusivity for various marginalized groups, and how it inspired a tight-knit community. As the owners shift focus to an online platform, they emphasize their commitment to maintaining connections and curating diverse stories that continue to resonate.
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Everybody's Bookstore
- Harvey Dong and others started Everybody's Bookstore in San Francisco's Manilatown in the late 1960s.
- This bookstore, one of the first Asian-American bookstores, stocked radical literature and faced threats of vandalism.
Eastwind Books' Transformation
- In 1996, the Dongs took over Eastwind Books in Berkeley, shifting its focus from Chinese literature to Asian-American stories and ethnic studies.
- They aimed to build coalitions across marginalized groups, hosting events like one where Southeast Asian organizers met Bobby Seale.
Dong's Philosophy
- Harvey Dong believes in the power of sharing ideas and fostering connections between communities.
- He views his role in promoting ethnic studies and Asian-American literature as a responsibility rather than an accomplishment.