SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Saint Paul Public Library and The SEAD Project invite adults and families to Stories of Abundance: Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Southeast Asian Resettlement on Saturday, December 13, from 2-4:30 p.m. at Sun Ray Library, 2105 Wilson Ave. This free, community event celebrates the Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese communities who, for 50 years, have built new roots and shaped our city and state.
“At Saint Paul Public Library, we know that communities are strengthened when their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated,” said Gao Yang, Programs and Partnerships Coordinator. “We are honored to partner with The SEAD Project to uplift Southeast Asian stories that have shaped our community and to celebrate the cultural legacies that continue to shape Minnesota on during this 50th anniversary of pivotal moments that have shaped our community.”
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of pivotal moments in Southeast Asian history—the end of the Vietnam War, the conclusion of the Secret War in Laos, and the beginning of the Khmer Rouge takeover in Cambodia. These moments have shaped the journeys of Khmer, Hmong, Lao, and Vietnamese communities that resettled in Minnesota starting 50 years ago.
"From the very beginning, SEAD has worked to collect and amplify the stories of our Southeast Asian diaspora community,” shared Juanita Sayaovong Vang and Kaysone Syonesa, co-directors of The SEAD Project. “There is power in storytelling. Stories celebrate our identity, preserves and acknowledges the lived experiences of our people, the history and legacy of our cultures. Especially as we commemorate 50 years of Southeast Asians in Minnesota, we need to remember and give acknowledgement to our Khmer, Lao, Hmong, and Viet diaspora communities of their sacrifices, resilience, and lives they've rebuilt here. Storytelling has always been a source of healing and a way to reclaim the narratives our communities rarely see reflected back to us. Partnering on the Stories of Abundance event with Saint Paul Public Library is meaningful because it gives us space to uplift and ensure our voices are held with the respect, nuance, and cultural leadership they deserve.”
Stories of Abundance kicks off with a performance by Saymoukda Vongsay, Lao American playwright, children’s book author, poet, essayist, and cultural producer.
The SEAD Project will host drop-in storytelling sessions for attendees as a part of their yearlong Abundance Altar project. Stories shared may be transcribed, translated, and preserved in a future digital storytelling archive hosted by the organization. The event will preview some of the archive’s stories with interactive story exhibits. The event will also include The SEAD Project’s traveling altar, an art installation that honors Southeast Asian journeys through community-contributed photos, mementos, and stories. Attendees are encouraged to bring offerings or memorabilia to mobile altar to honor a loved one.
Event attendees can also contribute to an interactive memory map by placing significant events in their lives on a communal visual timeline and explore a library staff curated book display focused on Southeast Asian resettlement. Special-edition commemorative Saint Paul Public Library card featuring art commissioned by local artist Kao Lee Thao will also be available.
“Stories of Abundance is an opportunity for the community to reflect, share, and help preserve Southeast Asian stories for future generations,” said Yang.
Learn more at sppl.org/abundance.