Finding Aid - Emil de Guzman

Donor Information: Emil de Guzman was the president of the International Hotel Tenants Association and one of the leading activists of the International Hotel anti-eviction struggle. He started his activism as a student at UC Berkeley, through his Sociology class.

Scope and Content: This collection includes a video documentary and photographs.

The video is called"The Fall of the I-Hotel." It documents the story of a broad-based movement of senior citizens, churches, labor groups, and community activists who sought to preserve the I-Hotel as low-cost housing for the elderly and a Filipino American/Asian American community center. It is a blend of cultural history and personal vignettes which dramatically portrays the conflicts between individuals, corporations; and those who must enforce the law. Originally released in 1983, this film was revised in 1993.

IH 032 is photographs taken before, during and after the August 4, 1977 tenant evictions from the International Hotel. Before the eviction photos depict demonstrations. One sign said “To Hell with Their Profits! To Hell with Relocation! No Evictions! We Won’t Move!” “Youth In Action says: Fight Evictions- People United Will Never be Defeated – Workers Committee to Fight For International Hotel & Victory Building.”

There are dramatic photos of the police in full riot gear, imposing figures at their police car getting ready. The demonstrators formed a human barricade, standing arm-in-arm, at least six rows deep. You could see fear on some people’s faces as the police prepare to move through the front door.

Then the photos change to the morning after the eviction, people moving mattresses out, solo photos of different people who look tired. Some are talking amongst themselves or with police officers. There are pictures of the Transamerica building towering behind the I-Hotel.

View pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/manilatown/sets/72157607891118731/


IH 033 includes photographs taken during a San Francisco City Hall protest concerning the I-Hotel eviction. Photographs include the Reverend Cecil Williams speaking at a hearing held in the legislative chambers. Other photos appear to have images of Black, White, Chinese, elderly, adult, peoples during a mobilization. These pictures reveal the multiracial and multi-class character during the International Hotel demonstrations.

View pictures here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/manilatown/sets/72157608770140343/


Physical Location of the Collection: Manilatown and Freedom Archives
Copyright Information: Educational purposes OK. To use, please contact ellenrae [at] manilatown [dot] org or call 415-399-9581.