Established in 1985, Asian Americans United exists so that people of Asian ancestry in Philadelphia exercise leadership to build their communities and unite to challenge oppression.

Asian Americans United

NO CASINO IN THE HEART OF OUR CITY!
It’s not a done deal!

photo of the No Casino march on Nov 1st

photo by Matt Rong

DIG IN FOR A LONG FIGHT

We will challenge them every step of the way!

“If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation, want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightening. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”
– Frederick Douglass, 1857

We are readying ourselves for a long struggle to save Chinatown and the city itself by constant vigilance, action, testament, and witness. While we continue to show up in large numbers to make our voices heard, some may lose heart and hope as they watch our elected officials squander their public responsibility by pushing forward with the plan to put casinos on Market Street. But we need to stay in for the long haul. And we need to know that we are effective and critical.

Our voices do matter. In the court of public opinion, we have scored major victories. Officials are feeling the pressure of our outcry. It is the public that we are seeking to influence, because it is they who will ultimately hold these officials accountable.

It is also our responsibility to inform others. Not just about the threat to Chinatown. Not just about our own history. We are now seeking to tear the mask off the casino industry and have them recognized for the predators they are.

We are asking our City leaders to stop doing the bidding of an industry that profits by impoverishing its clientele and that thrives on pushing addiction. A casino at the heart of Philadelphia serves Foxwoods interests; it does not serve our public interest.

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The Proposal

  • a slots house at Strawbridge & Clothier (8th and Market Street), less than 50 feet away from the first homes in Chinatown
  • a casino at Philadelphia’s main transit hub
  • open 24 hours a day 365 days/yr
  • state law permits unlimited free alcohol service 24 hours a day


The Issue

Read more about the issue and why we oppose creating a gambling district bordering Chinatown


No Casino in the Heart of Our City Coalition

More than 50 organizations citywide have joined the coalition. Find out more and please join us by downloading:

  • the outreach letter from Pastor Ellis Washington, President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, Ellen Somekawa, Executive Director of Asian Americans United, and Reverend Robin Hynicka, Pastor of the Arch Street United Methodist Church and
  • the details and form to join to the Coaltion.


Campaign Actions

We have already carried out a number of campaign actions and are planning future ones. Find out more.


Press Releases, PSAs & Statements

Check here for AAU’s views.


Media Coverage

The casino issue as well as work by AAU has received a lot of media coverage. For more, please have a look.


Resources

If you are looking for downloadable and online petitions and/or our Fight the Gallery Casino – an AAU Primer, please look here.


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