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Identifier
BrooksAnnette_2013_CRP
Description
China is a black, bisexual, formerly homeless, recovering drug addict, and homeless relief worker at the @Risk Cafe on Soledad street in Salinas, California. Her story takes her from growing up in nearby Seaside, coping with an absentee father and a drug addicted mother, to having her own children and dealing with her own addictions in Chinatown, and eventually to recovery. She comes from a large family, being a girl among thirteen brothers, she lived a tough life. Her mother's addictions had an influence on her and she became addicted to drugs and street life as a teenager. She eventually went to jail, and when she came out in the 1980s she discovered Salinas Chinatown. She spent nearly 20 years living in the streets of Chinatown, and she describes her story in detail including, crime, prostitution, and violence. Her story is reflective and also encompasses a lot of the modem history of Soledad street. Her story is mirrored by many stories of drug addiction and crime in Chinatown. It captures some of the essence of the people living there now. She talks about community, drug use, and her eventual recovery. Nearing the end of her story, she describes why after all this time she has elected to stay in Chinatown, and why she continues to do so now. It is her belief that it assists her recovery, and gives her a sense of fulfillment and belonging to continue to work in Chinatown
Interview Date
10-24-2013
Interviewer
Raymond Costello
Geographic Coverage
Salinas (Calif.)
Subjects
Chinatown (Salinas, Calif.); Drug addiction; Homelessness; Drug addicts--Rehabilitation; Community kitchens
Type
Moving Image
Genre
Oral histories
Digital Format
video/mp4
Language
eng
Digital Collection
Chinatown Renewal Project
Repository
Archives & Special Collections of California State University, Monterey Bay
Disclaimer
These oral histories express the personal views, memories, and opinions of the interviewee. They do not represent the policy or views of California State University, Monterey Bay.
Recommended Citation
Brooks, Annette "China" and California State University, Monterey Bay, "Interview with Annette "China" Brooks" (2013). Chinatown Renewal Project. 7.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/ohcma_chinatown/7
Rights Statement
