CelebrAsian pays tribute to historic refugee resettlements
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
This year marks the 22nd CelebrAsian festival, which has attracted more than 70,000 people in previous years. Photo: Courtesy of Iowa Asian Alliance
CelebrAsian 2025 kicks off Friday in downtown Des Moines, marking the 50th anniversary of the state's first welcome to Southeast Asian refugees.
Why it matters: The decision reshaped the state's demographics and identity and continues to shape its future.
Catch up quick: Millions of people across Southeast Asia became refugees because of the Vietnam War.
- Former Gov. Robert Ray defied political backlash with his decision to help resettle thousands of refugees in Iowa.
Worthy of your time: Des Moines City Council Member Carl Voss highlighted the milestone in a newsletter to constituents this week, documenting how families from five Southeast Asian communities escaped persecution and genocide to rebuild their lives in Iowa.
- Their stories include accounts of others' generosity and some instances of apprehension toward them as they learned English and raised children in unfamiliar environments.
Zoom in: Several of the people featured by Voss started businesses in the metro, such as Mao's Homemade Eggrolls; hold positions in state government; and have helped lead projects like the Tai Village in DSM.
By the numbers: In 1970, Iowa was 98.6% white, 1.2% Black and around 0.3% "other" — a category that included just under 8,500 people, comprising both Asian and Native American people, according to census data.
- In 2023, Iowa was home to over 100,000 Asian Americans, accounting for 3.1% of the population, according to the most recent data.
What they're saying: Ray exemplifies how a person can positively impact a community even in the face of obstacles and naysayers, says Nu Huynh, executive director of the Iowa Asian Alliance, which organizes CelebrAsian.
- "If you look at how much Iowa has grown as a state, you can't deny that (resettlement) has played a role," Huynh tells Axios.
Between the lines: Immigration has significantly contributed to the revitalization of some Iowa communities and may be crucial to the state's future growth, the DSM Register reported in January.
State of play: The festival's theme, "50 Years: Ray of Freedom," features an opening ceremony with Ken Quinn, a longtime Ray aide; storyboards showcasing Iowa's efforts in resettling refugees; and a luncheon honoring past and present refugee contributions.
- About 50 food vendors will represent over a dozen communities, including Lao, Vietnamese, Burmese, Indian and Filipino groups.
🗓️ If you go: 11am–10pm today and Saturday in Western Gateway Park.
- Free admission