About Manilatown heritage foundation
Manilatown Heritage Foundation: Preserving Filipino-American History and Culture
Manilatown Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to promote social and economic justice for Filipinos in the United States. The foundation's mission is to preserve the history of Filipino-Americans, advocate for equal access, and advance their arts and culture. In solidarity with other community service organizations, Manilatown Heritage Foundation envisions an inspired and self-sustaining future.
The foundation was established in 1994 by a group of community activists who recognized the need to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Filipinos in America. Since then, it has been working tirelessly to promote awareness about Filipino-American history and culture through various programs, events, exhibits, workshops, and publications.
One of the primary goals of Manilatown Heritage Foundation is to preserve historical sites that are significant to Filipino-Americans. The foundation has successfully saved several buildings from demolition that were once part of San Francisco's historic Manilatown district. These buildings now serve as cultural centers where people can learn about the struggles and triumphs of early Filipino immigrants.
In addition to preserving historical sites, Manilatown Heritage Foundation also advocates for equal access for Filipinos in education, healthcare, housing, employment opportunities, voting rights, immigration policies among others. The foundation believes that every individual deserves equal rights regardless of their race or ethnicity.
Another important aspect of Manilatown Heritage Foundation's work is promoting arts and culture within the community. Through its various programs such as art exhibits featuring local artists' works or traditional dance performances showcasing Philippine folk dances like Tinikling or Pandanggo sa Ilaw; they aim at preserving traditional art forms while also encouraging new artistic expressions among young people.
Manilatown Heritage Foundation also provides educational resources such as books on Philippine history or language classes so that individuals can learn more about their heritage while improving their skills at the same time.
The foundation has received numerous awards over the years for its outstanding work in preserving Filipino-American history and culture. It has also been recognized by various organizations for its advocacy efforts on behalf of the Filipino community.
In conclusion, Manilatown Heritage Foundation is a vital organization that plays a crucial role in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Filipinos in America. Through its various programs and initiatives, it promotes social and economic justice while also advancing arts and culture within the community. The foundation's work is essential to ensure that future generations can learn about their roots while also celebrating their unique identity as Filipino-Americans.