Newark, NJ Author Publishes Asian American History Book

August 27, 2016 - When Newark Had a Chinatown, a new book by Ms. Yoland Skeete-Laessig Edited by Hal Laessig, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

"Through her dedication, persistence and hard work, Ms. Skeete has pieced together a virtual gold mine of information about the history of Newark Chinatown. Her work fills a void in our understanding of Asian American history as well as Newark history." – Peter Li, Teacher of Chinese Literature, Professor Emeritus History & Culture at Rutgers University. Author & Co-Editor of "Understanding Asian American."

"Yes, at the turn of the century, Newark's Chinatown community was larger than New York's. The history and the circumstances of its demise are largely a mystery rediscovered in the archives, in oral histories, and by the efforts of dedicated researchers who insist on asking these and other questions. I believe this initial effort will be the beginning of a long term project to reclaim this lost aspect of Newark, New Jersey, and New York City's regional history." – John Kuo Wei Tchen, Author & Professor, Asia Pacific Studies Department of NYU, Co-Founder of the Museum of Chinese in America

"Newark Chinatown, the passage from South China to America, is one of many stories with the texture of real places that can tell us of a turning point in how we became who we are. As much as we like to boast about our accomplishments and ambitions, we hardly know the fullness of the genesis of ourselves as Americans. Yoland Skeete tells this story. It is a joy to give what I can and see her bring this story to life." – Robert Lee, Executive Director, Asian American Arts Centre

When Newark Had a Chinatown is a 278-page paperback with a retail price of $19.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4809-1036-2. It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, or to request a review copy, please go to our virtual pressroom at www.dorrancepressroom.com or our online bookstore at www.dorrancebookstore.com.