Essex Market Celebrates AAPI Month: Connecting Communities & Cultures

​What: An empowering panel talk in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, bringing together Asian American entrepreneurs and community builders in The Lower East Side. This intimate and thoughtful conversation will explore what it means to build something from the ground up, hold space for community, and take pride in being Asian in today’s cultural landscape.

​Who: Panel speakers

​David Lee | Founder of Smith+Parka

​Christina Seid | Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

​Gary Su | Founder The Sugary Community

​Eddie Chan | Chinatown Social

​Amy Chin | Calm Better Days

​Lily Chin | Lily's Treats

​When: Wednesday, May 21 2025

​Where: Essex Market, 88 Essex St. (on the mezzanine)

​Why: Join us for a discussion celebrating Asian pride by hearing POVs from local NYC community builders.

​Connect with link minded people, connect with peers, find a mentor, taste Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, eat Chinatown Snacks, sip a Dirty Water hard seltzer, Win a Solo Sling raffle.

​Event program:

​5pm cocktails and raffle tickets at Smith+Parka booth

​6:30pm mezzanine opens, Chinatown snacks provided

​7pm- Community Panel discussion

​7:40pm- break for Chinatown ice cream and Lily's treats

​7:45pm-panel discussion with Christina Seid and Lily Chin

​8:15- Smith+Parka Solo Sling raffle

​8:20-Hana Makgeolli and Dirty Water Hard Seltzer tasting

​8:30- panel ends and mingle hour