The Battle for the International Hotel (I-Hotel) - August 4th, 1977

Key Events of August 4th, 1977

Thousands of protesters form a human barricade to protect residents of the I-Hotel.
Police forces in riot gear arrive to enforce an eviction.
Police use nightsticks and clubs to break through barricades.

Location: Border of Chinatown and what was Manila town in San Francisco.
Community Significance: Home to hundreds of Filipinos who fought for fair housing.
Historical Context: Reflects the deep relationship between the US and Philippines stemming from US colonization (1898-1946).

Early Asian Immigration: Chinese and Japanese immigrants initially, followed by Filipinos when the former groups were barred from entry.
Filipinos in the US (1920s-1930s): Over 100,000 Filipino men migrated with hopes of financial security but faced exploitation and wage issues.
Social Impact: US policies prevented family reunification; many Filipino men lived isolated lives.

Geographical Boundaries: A ten-block stretch on Kearney Street, adjacent to Chinatown.
Racial Segregation: Filipinos faced discrimination and violent hostility outside Manila town, leading to a confined community.
Community Life: Despite poor living conditions, the I-Hotel provided a strong sense of community and belonging for residents.

Urban Development in the 1950s: San Francisco sought to become the "Wall Street of the West," leading to aggressive urban renewal.
Impact on Low-Income Areas: Thousands of largely Black and Asian American residents were evicted in various districts.
Manila town's Vulnerability: The community's proximity to the financial district made it a prime target for redevelopment.

First Eviction Notice (1968): A real estate company wanted to demolish the I-Hotel for a parking lot.
Community Resistance: Filipino leaders, local activists, and businesses resisted, gaining a temporary three-year lease extension.
Renewed Threats (1973-1977): The building was sold to a Thai developer, sparking a renewed eviction battle.
Solidarity Across Groups: Various groups including Asian American, religious, and labor rights organizations supported the tenants.

Protest Mobilization: Over 2,000 protesters gathered, forming a human barricade.
Police Tactics: Police used horses, batons, and fire truck ladders to break into the building.
Tenant and Protester Resistance: Protesters, including tenant leaders, locked arms inside and outside.
Final Confrontation: Police dragged protesters and tenants out; tenants ultimately decided to stand down to avoid further violence.
Aftermath: Tenants were left homeless, scattered across the city; Manila town was effectively erased.

Vacancy and Demolition: The original I-Hotel remained vacant for two years before being demolished.
Efforts to Rebuild: Community and Chinatown activists succeeded in constructing a new I-Hotel in 2005.
Current Use: The new I-Hotel offers 104 affordable housing units for senior citizens.
Ongoing Relevance: The struggle symbolizes the persistent affordable housing crisis and prioritization of human rights over property rights.