Pinoytown, originally thriving with Filipino culture in San Jose, has diminished over decades. Established in the 1920s in Heinlenville, it provided refuge for various Asian immigrants. The community peaked post-World War II when Filipinos filled vacant spaces after Japanese internment, fostering local businesses. Integration into broader communities began in the 1960s; subsequently, many Filipinos migrated away, leaving behind remnants like the Filipino Community Center. Today, mural art stands as a testament to the area's once-rich heritage and its Filipino legacy, highlighted through walking tours initiated by community member Robert Ragsac.
"When I walk around downtown and see the murals, it gives me a little pride to live in San Jose. Not because of the business, but because of the history we shared."
"Pinoytown took root north of downtown San Jose, in a historic Chinatown district originally known as Heinlenville. Chinese, Japanese and Filipino immigrants settled down there during the 1920s, creating a refuge from anti-Asian sentiment."
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