The SooHoo Family

The SooHoo Family has maintained an active role in the Chinatown for years. The father, Hing SooHoo immigrated to Boston Chinatown from China, when he was approximately twenty-years-old. His wife, Mary, grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts; she often visited Chinatown as a child. The couple married and raised their three daughters, Jadine, Cynthia, and Angela in Chinatown.

The SooHoo Family has contributed to the Chinatown community in various ways. The SooHoo’s have owned the Chinatown Café since 1989. The family operated restaurant is located at 262 Harrison Avenue in Boston. The family said they support the Chinatown community through their business donating to Chinatown organizations and events, including the annual ”National Nite Out.” The restaurant has previously been awarded the “Community Business and Friendship Award,” given by the Josiah Quincy School.

In addition to managing the Chinatown Café, Hing and Mary have also maintained memberships in a variety of organizations. Both are members of the Chinatown Safety Committee, The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Council, and the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC).

Hing SooHoo was elected President of the Tai Tung Village Tenant Association in January 2005. The Tai Tung is a housing development where tenants can attend meetings and address some of their concerns about the development. He is also a board member of the Chinatown YMCA.

Marry SooHoo is a member of the Neighborhood Housing Trust at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), and the “National Nite Out” committee. Mary has received awards on behalf of the Chinatown Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit for the “Top 10 Crime Watch Group” at the “National Nite Out” in 1994 and 1996.
In addition to working at the Chinatown Café, the SooHoo daughters have also volunteered within the community. They have participated in the “Chinatown Cleanup” and helped out at the “National Nite Out.”

Angela SooHoo said she has been fortunate growing up in Boston Chinatown. “We’ve got the best of both cultures,” said Angela. “We have American Culture, but we are also surrounded by Chinese culture, such as the good and traditions”

The SooHoo Family said they would like to see more community involvement in Chinatown. They believe more people should attend community meetings and maintain a more significant role in decision-making.