CelebrAsian pays tribute to historic refugee resettlements
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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
