08.10.25 - North America's Chinatowns: Morris Lum's photography featured by CNN
Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream, Morris Lum, has been featured on CNN Style for his decade-long photographic project exploring the transformation of Chinatowns across North America.
Lum’s work investigates the evolving cultural and architectural landscapes of over 20 Chinatowns—from Toronto to Los Angeles—documenting how migration, redevelopment, and gentrification shape these vital urban spaces.
His forthcoming book, Chinatowns: Tong Yan Gaai (DelMonico Books, 2025), will expand on this research-based practice, offering a critical reflection on place-making and cultural memory.
Read the full article on CNN Style to learn more about how Lum’s work challenges dominant urban narratives and centres diasporic perspectives.
Photo credits: 1. Wong Kung Har Wun Sun of Ontario, Toronto West Chinatown 2016 2. Eastern Bakery, San Francisco 2017 3. China King, Boston 2019 4. The Lingan, Edmonton 2015 5. Golden Happiness Plaza, Calgary 2015 6. Doyers Street, New York 2019 7. Chin Wing Chun Tong of Ontario, Toronto West Chinatown 2019 8. Li Po Cocktails, San Francisco 2017 9. Restaurant Sai Gwan, Montreal 2021 10. Portrait by Nam Phi Dang, 2024