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Mei Lum

Owner of Wing on Wo & Director of the W.O.W. Project

Mei Lum is a prominent Chinese American artist, activist, and entrepreneur based in New York City. She is the fifth-generation owner of Wing on Wo & Co., the oldest continuously operating store in Manhattan's Chinatown, which specializes in porcelain and cultural goods. The store has been in her family since its founding in the 1890s, originally serving as a general store before focusing on porcelain in the 1960s.146

In addition to her role at Wing on Wo & Co., Mei is the founder and director of The W.O.W. Project, an initiative aimed at addressing issues of gentrification and displacement within Chinatown. This project emphasizes community engagement through art and activism, providing a platform for local voices and fostering cultural dialogue.135 Since its inception in 2016, The W.O.W. Project has organized numerous programs that connect community members and support marginalized groups, particularly women and non-binary individuals.24

Mei Lum holds a Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies from Mount Holyoke College and has participated in various programs that enhance her skills in community leadership and civic engagement. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to the community, including recognition from NBC Asian America as an emerging voice in the Asian Pacific American community.125

Highlights

Nov 2 · metmuseum.org
Meet Mei Lum, Artist-in-Residence - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Meet Mei Lum, Artist-in-Residence - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Sep 19 · The New York Times
Saving Chinatown, While Also Making It Their Own - The New York Times
Saving Chinatown, While Also Making It Their Own - The New York Times
May 14 · CNBC
In Chinatowns across the U.S., tradition and history collide with luxury development - CNBC
In Chinatowns across the U.S., tradition and history collide with luxury development - CNBC
May 23 · mailchimp.com
Chinatown's Oldest Family‑Owned Store Is Still Centering Community
Dec 14 · youtube.com
Wing On Wo & Co. Opens Doors to Build a Better Community
Wing On Wo & Co. Opens Doors to Build a Better Community

Related Questions

What inspired Mei Lum to start the W.O.W. Project?
How has Mei Lum's family's porcelain business evolved over the years?
What are some notable initiatives of the W.O.W. Project?
How does Mei Lum address gentrification in Chinatown through her work?
What awards has Mei Lum received for her community contributions?
Mei Lum
Mei Lum, photo 1
Mei Lum, photo 2
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Location

New York, New York