Through the Generations: Sophia Tsao of Po Wing Hong
Chinatown storefronts can hold decades of history. Our 'Through the Generations' story series explores deep familial ties that keep the neighborhood going. Sophia Tsao, who runs Po Wing Hong with her father, shares her family’s story with us. Po Wing Hong, located on 49 Elizabeth Street, sells a wide range of quality dried seafood, herbs, and other soup ingredients for nourishing and restorative soups.
When did your family come to Chinatown / New York City?
My parents actually met in Chinatown in the late 70's. My father's mother worked at a garment factory and learned from another seamstress about my mother, subsequently they met and married all within 8 months.
What was your experience growing up in Chinatown?
I grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey and would come in on the weekends to attend Chinese school at the CCBA. Back in the 80's and 90's Chinatown was sprawling with people and activity. I loved going to dim sum with my grandmother who was my primary caretaker while my parents worked. At dim sum, if we ate with a guest, I watched in awe as my grandma fought for the bill--she always won.
On weekends after Chinese school, we would get a rice box at Big Wong's and eat at the store and then I would help the cashiers bag groceries. My uncle had a wholesale restaurant supplies store on Forsyth Street so we used to climb up and down the mountains of rice bags until my uncle scolded us. Some summers I'd join the Chinatown YMCA summer camp and when I was older the summer camp at OCA (Overseas Chinese Mission).
What does Chinatown mean to you?
In my opinion, Chinatown is the most important place for a new Chinese immigrant. Here, they can receive essential services such as banking, legal advice and healthcare services. Chinatown is a stepping stone on the pathway to assimilating into American life and makes the transition less "scary". On a personal level, as an Asian American, Chinatown played a huge role in my self-confidence. As a young girl growing up in suburban New Jersey, I felt like an outcast because my clothes were different, my lunches were different, my family dynamic was different. But in Chinatown since my friends were just like me, I slowly climbed out of my shell and blossomed into a confident adolescent.
Why is it important to you that you remember your family history? How will you use this knowledge for the future?
My ancestors in China were successful landowners and professionals until the Cultural Revolution forced my families on both sides to flee to Hong Kong. My grandparents and parents struggle to make a better life for their family should be used as a reminder of how my own problems pale in comparison. Knowledge of their struggles keeps me grounded and inspires me to give back to others in need.
What is something that you hold on to that reminds you of Chinatown on a daily basis?
My family store!
