Communities are built through stories, traditions, and the people who work tirelessly to preserve them. This May, in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, MMDC is proud to support The W.O.W. Project, an organization dedicated to protecting Chinatown’s cultural identity while empowering the next generation of Asian American artists, organizers, and leaders.

Founded in New York City’s Chinatown, The W.O.W. Project, short for “Wing on Wo”, operates from the historic Wing on Wo & Co., the oldest continuously operating family-owned storefront in Chinatown. Since its founding in 2016, the organization has become a powerful community-driven initiative focused on preserving culture, strengthening intergenerational connections, and supporting grassroots activism through the arts.

But beyond the programs and initiatives, The W.O.W. Project is ultimately about people: neighbors protecting their community, young leaders finding their voice, and families ensuring that future generations remain connected to their heritage.

Preserving More Than Buildings, Preserving Identity

As neighborhoods across the country continue to face rapid development and cultural displacement, organizations like The W.O.W Project play an important role in protecting not only physical spaces but also the traditions, histories, and relationships that define a community.

The organization uses art, storytelling, workshops, youth fellowships, and public programming to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue across generations. Their work centers women, queer, trans, and non-binary voices within Asian American communities while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and collective empowerment.

Through these efforts, The W.O.W. Project helps ensure that Chinatown remains not just a destination, but a living, thriving, cultural home.

Why This Matters to MMDC

At MMDC, we believe strong communities are built through creativity, connection, and cultural understanding. Supporting The W.O.W. Project aligns with our belief that storytelling and community engagement have the power to create meaningful impact.

AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities while recognizing the organizations working every day to preserve cultural identity and create space for future generations to thrive.

By supporting The W.O.W. Project this May, we’re proud to contribute to an organization that is building bridges between generations, uplifting underrepresented voices, and ensuring that culture remains something lived, shared, and celebrated.

Looking Toward the Future

The work of The W.O.W. Project reminds us that preserving culture is not just about honoring the past; it’s about protecting the future. Every story shared, every young leader empowered, and every community gathering created through their work helps strengthen the bonds that make neighborhoods resilient and vibrant.

This May, MMDC is honored to support an organization that continues to inspire creativity, connection, and cultural pride within the AAPI community and beyond. To find out more about this organization and how you can support it, visit www.wowprojectnyc.org.