Exhibit | American Laodyssey: 50

When

Monday December 2, 2024: 10:00am to Sunday January 12, 2025: 8:00pm

Where

Downtown Library: Lower Level Display Cases

Description

December 2025 marks the 50th anniversary since the formal end of war in Laos and Southeast Asia, beginning the Southeast Asian diaspora for many refugees living in the US today. Michigan served as the home to internationally recognized writers, artists, educators, entrepreneurs and community builders with roots in Laos.

Since the end of the US Secret War in Laos, how have our communities transitioned from authoritarianism and monarchies to democracy? Many fled to the United States over their role in assisting the US during the Vietnam War, but few Americans know the full story. As a community, fewer than 14% successfully graduate college and fewer than 1% go on to a Masters degree or higher. Many live in low-income multigenerational households with limited English, with an estimated 30% below the Federal poverty line. Over the decades the community had to grapple with culture shock, anti-Asian racism, gang issues, early teen pregnancy, untreated PTSD and depression, substance abuse and gambling addictions, extreme domestic violence concerns, police brutality, challenges and gender equity issues.

Even as many make amazing contributions in their diverse fields, what lessons can we draw on from this experience to assist newer Americans and to recognize ongoing challenges in policy and conflict resolution, the preservation of memory and the importance of imagination to create futures we see ourselves in?