50 Years On: Reflecting on the Vietnamese Diaspora in Portland
Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the American War in Vietnam, a conflict that lasted twenty years and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 3 million people. The aftermath of the war saw a massive wave of refugees fleeing Vietnam, with many settling in and around Portland, Oregon. According to Oregon Humanities, the city is now home to one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the United States, making up 2 percent of the population.
The story of the Vietnamese diaspora in Portland is one of resilience and adaptation. For families like Kevin Truong’s, who fled Vietnam as refugees, the journey to America was just the beginning. As an Oregon Humanities Community Storytelling Fellow, Truong is working to share the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora in Portland and neighboring communities. His work is a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and promoting understanding.
One such story is that of Thuy Tran, who spoke about her experiences as an optometrist, member of the Oregon Air National Guard, and Oregon State Representative. Her story is a remarkable example of the contributions that Vietnamese Americans have made to their communities. As Oregon Humanities reports, Tran’s experiences are a testament to the diverse perspectives and experiences of the Vietnamese diaspora.
In a video interview, Tran shares her story with Truong, providing a unique glimpse into the life of a Vietnamese American community leader. The video is part of a larger project to document the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora in Portland, and is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the complexities of the immigrant experience.
As Truong notes, his work is centered around the queer and immigrant experiences, and his projects often explore the intersections of art, journalism, and filmmaking. His work has been supported by a range of organizations, including the Sundance Institute, MacArthur Foundation, and California Film Institute, among others. Currently, Truong is working on his first feature-length film, a documentary about his mother called Mai American.
The Vietnamese diaspora in Portland is a vibrant and diverse community that has made significant contributions to the city. As Oregon Humanities highlights, the community is a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and promoting understanding. As we reflect on the past 50 years, it is clear that the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora in Portland are an important part of the city’s history and identity.
In the words of Oregon Humanities, "the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the American War in Vietnam is a significant milestone, and one that provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the Vietnamese diaspora in Portland." As we look to the future, it is clear that the stories of this community will continue to play an important role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape.
The project is supported by Oregon Humanities’ Community Storytelling Fellowship, which aims to promote civic engagement and community storytelling through the sharing of personal stories and experiences. As a journalist, this reporter is grateful for the opportunity to share the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora in Portland, and to highlight the important work of Oregon Humanities in preserving cultural heritage and promoting understanding.
