I Am An American Live

I Am An American Live:  Stories of Exclusion and Belonging

In observance of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we at The Immigrant Story invite you to join us on May 11 for our third edition of “I Am An American Live”. This event is part of the programming by the Oregon Rises Above Hate coalition, with the aim of drawing attention to the historic xenophobia experienced by the AANHPI community in Oregon and across the U.S.

At 7 pm, the evening program, “I Am An American”, begins with four women from Yemen, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos sharing their experiences of what it means to belong in America, even while at times being excluded. These storytellers from a diversity of backgrounds across Asia tell stories of how our government policies have affected them as individuals. They go on to relate how these experiences in their own lives inspired them to become agents of change.

After a brief intermission, the evening moves into music with the Minidoka Swing Band—a poignant tribute to the resilience of Japanese Americans imprisoned during World War II. Their joyful sounds of big band music echo through time, bridging the gap between past and present. Named after the Minidoka camp, this 17-piece ensemble, composed of both survivors and descendants, weaves their stories into melodies that soar even above the confines of barbed wire.

Join us for an evening of stories and music from Oregonians, about the places they built, the traditions they brought, and what it has meant to truly belong in their hometown.

Come early to celebrate our stories with drinks and good company! Join us at 6:00 PM for a delightful Happy Hour in the Reser lobby! Drinks and light snacks will be available for purchase as you mingle with friends and enjoy the exhibits on display in the lobby. Talk with authors and local publishers of several books about the immigrant experience. Meet Elizabeth Mehren, author of the just-published I Lived To Tell the World. Purchase your book and get your copy signed!

Auditorium opens at 6:30 PM.

This free event is made possible by a generous contribution by Anne Naito-Campbell. Additional funds for programming have been provided by the City of Beaverton

Sponsors

Anne Naito-Campbell

City of Beaverton

Beaverton Art Lives Here

OnPoint Community Credit Union