Acknowledging Southeast Asian history and culture as distinct from the larger “Asian American” umbrella term, this celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on the ways that Southeast Asian immigrant and refugee communities have woven their own unique individual threads into the awe-inspiring tapestry of Minnesota’s history. Hmong, Vietnamese, Lao, Karen, Khmer, and Thai populations in Minnesota contribute to the vastly diverse demographic landscape. What makes Southeast Asians unique is our commitment to cultural preservation while surviving the challenges of assimilation. Our strong community ties inspire hope for unity. And our growth and resilience is driven by the desire to honor where we came from. 

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Southeast Asian immigration paved the way for Minnesota’s refugee resettlement infrastructure during the 1970s. This allowed for the state to build a better foundation to support future waves of immigration. Being that Minnesota has grown to become a hub for cultural diversity with large communities of other refugees and immigrants, such as Mexican, Somali, and Indian communities, this anniversary serves as a reminder for us to maintain compassion and empathy for our fellow indigenous groups around the world, especially those displaced by imperialist forces. In the current global political context where a deplorable number of indigenous groups around the world are suffering genocide and displacement, and xenophobia continues its rampage in this country, it is important now more than ever to honor indigeneity. As Southeast Asians, we are all too familiar with this violence. We know the consequences of being fragmented from our own people and our heritage. May this celebration also remind us to maintain compassion and empathy for our fellow Southeast Asian kin around the world, regardless of political beliefs. May we recognize what truly unites us. It is because of all this that cultural preservation, honoring our long-standing history before Western military intervention, and having agency of our narratives are all necessary acts of revolution. Even more, they are an opportunity to embrace our healing and joy. 

 

Healing and joy are at the forefront of our celebration, alongside our recognition and honor for the immense violence, struggles, and institutional inequities that Southeast Asian refugees experienced in the last half century. Often tied to an identity of war and trauma, Southeast Asians carry a heavy burden of honoring their history and balancing that with creating a new legacy of healing and joy, especially as members of the diaspora. We will never forget our history of experiencing genocide and being refugees, and we will let that inspire our efforts to embrace our multidimensional existence. Our celebration of this anniversary shares our hope and growth for a brighter future, while also holding space to grieve our past. 

 

What Southeast Asians selflessly offer to our home in Minnesota is a strong sense of community, a determination for cultural preservation, resilience against displacement and resettlement. Most remarkably Southeast Asians offer inspiration and hope that healing, joy, and unity are attainable. All of this fosters an enduring human spirit, reminding us that humanity is ever present when you live with love for the people around you. We hope you will experience this love and community in our celebration of the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asians in Minnesota too.