Arts, Education, Laotian, National
AAP staff report
MINNEAPOLIS (August 15, 2010) – It was a weekend to remember as over 120 people gathered at the historic Loft Literary Center from August 13th to 15th for the first national Lao American Writers Summit. Over 16 award-winning Lao American artists spoke and worked closely with Lao and non-Lao community members including African American, Thai, Cambodians, South Asians, European Americans and Tongans to discuss the importance of art and building a people’s future through art.
Awards/Recognition, Laotian, Spoken Word, Storytelling, Writing
Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay (Photo by Joseph Forman. Hair and makeup by Ashley Vongsouvanh)
Minnesota based Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay became the first writer to receive the Alfred C. Carey Prize in Spoken Word Poetry, August 1, 2010, in recognition of her poem, “When Everything Was Everything.”
Brandon Lacy Campos, a writer and community activist, established the Prize in Spoken Word Poetry to honor the memory of his late grandfather, Alfred Charles Carey, described as a “hard working construction worker and family man from Northern Minnesota, who raised a family of eight, including three children not biologically his own.
Events, Laotian, Performance Art, Spoken Word, Storytelling, Writing
For the very first time in 30 years, leading Lao American poets, playwrights, rock stars and filmmakers from across the country will gather July 14, 2010 at the historic Loft Literary Center for a one-night-only reading and performance of art, culture, memories and dreams. Seats are limited, but there will be free refreshments and door prizes. This event is free to the public and starts from 7pm to 9pm at 1011 Washington Ave. S, Minneapolis.
Mali Phonpadith is a Lao American writer/poet based in Washington DC., will be attending the National Lao American Writer’s Summit in Minneapolis this month. (Contributed photo)
By Bryan Thao Worra
AAP staff writer
Mali Phonpadith is a Lao American writer/poet based in Washington DC. The co-founder of Reflections Within, Phonpadith has been writing poetry, short essays and short stories for over 20 years internationally. She has over 400 pieces of written work and was nominated as Best Poet of the Year by the International Society of Poets in 2007.
Phonpadith has been a tireless activist within the community, and often volunteers many hours and resources to the causes she loves, including the Young Professional Leadership Group, the International Society of Poets, the National Association for Women Business Owners, the Lao Heritage Foundation, Arts of Falls Church.
She is also an active volunteer with Teatro de la Luna. In August she will be coming to Minnesota to participate in the national Lao American Writers Summit gathering at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.
Asian American Press had an opportunity to interview her recently.
Asian American Press: What do you do when you’re not writing?
Mali Phonpadith: I spend a lot of time with my family, friends, and clients listening to their hopes, goals and dreams. They become my inspiration on so many levels- including ideas for my creative writing.
I do my best to give of my time to non-profit organizations that speak to my passions. This allows me to live a life where I am thinking bigger than myself, knowing that my support and actions to these causes will have significant impact on others and communities.
AAP: How did you get started writing?
MP: I was 12 years old. I had recurring dreams, the same one for almost two months: black feet, muffled sobbing in my ear, and sirens in the background. My mother told me later that I was recalling the day we escaped Laos. At that moment, it hit me! So much takes place in our lives that we forget, repress, or push aside. I did not want to live my life without documenting meaningful experiences so that’s when I started “journaling” … later, in High School, my English teacher pointed out that my writing was not necessarily “journal entries”, they were poetry.
AAP: How do you find time to write?
MP: In the evenings- it’s a part of my daily ritual, like carving out meditation time. I also schedule a creative writing day onto my calendar when I have a deadline- such as assignments from my editor as I work to publish my first book.
AAP: Why are you excited by the Lao American Writers Summit?
MP: I am excited about the Lao Writer’s Summit because I believe every person (writer/artist or not) wants a sense of belonging and community. This is an opportunity to bring like-minded, passionate writers together to share ideas, learn from one another, and teach each other new ways of expression. I am excited to bring the Lao people together and have a more powerful voice through our writing. I am excited about expanding my own personal network of creative minds.
AAP: What’s one of the best things someone has said to you about your writing?
MP: “Everytime I read something you write, I wonder if you someone entered into my mind because you are the voice, I am not able to speak.”
AAP: Do you have any advice for younger writers?
MP: Share your work. Include others in your life that you trust to provide constructive critism and positive feedback. Be open to others’ work so you can learn of different styles. Like any craft, practice and write from the heart. ο
Catzie Vilayphonh
By Bryan Thao Worra
AAP staff writer
Catzie Vilayphonh is a Lao American writer and performer based in Philadelphia, who is a regular visitor to Minnesota. She will return in August for the national Lao American Writers Summit on August 13-15th at the Loft Literary Center.
Community, Government, Hmong, Human Rights, International, Laotian, National
U.S. Senator Al Franken (DFL-MN), center, updates press in his St. Paul office Sunday, on the status of the Hmong returnees in Laos. State Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-67), is at left, and State Rep. Cy Thao (DFL-65A) at right. (AAP staff photo by Tom LaVenture)
By TOM LAVENTURE
AAP staff writer
ST. PAUL (August 1, 2010) – U.S. Senator Al Franken (DFL-MN) last Sunday invited press to his Drake Bank Building office to continue updating the progress on the approximately 4,500 forcibly repatriated Hmong in Laos. It was a timely meeting now that President Barack Obama has nominated Karen Brevard Stewart as the next United States Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
By Pany Siharath
Housing is one of the biggest parts of the American Dream. As a Lao refugee, it was a good feeling for me to work as a realtor to help families build their dream and gain a sense of belonging in this new country. As refugees, we come from all over, because of wars and other troubles. Owning a home means setting down roots. As refugees, owning a home means obtaining a space that allows you to practice your culture and raise a family.
Announcements, Appointments, Government, Laotian
WASHINGTON (July 20, 2010) – President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced his intent to nominate Karen Brevard Stewart as the United States Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic – a posting with the Department of State. According to the White House Office of the Press Secretary, Brevard Stewart is a career member of the Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor and has previous experience in Laos, twice, where she once served as Deputy Chief of Mission.
Government, Hmong, Human Rights, International, Laotian, Vietnamese
U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) in the Bolikhamxay province village of PhoneKham in central Laos. (Contributed photos)
By TOM LAVENTURE
AAP staff writer
Hanoi, Vietnam (July 6, 2010) – U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) held a phone conference Tuesday with Minnesota media to update his investigation into the issues of the forcefully repatriated Hmong in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Hmong repatriation issues have resonated locally with relatives and concerned caommunity in Minnesota since December 2009, when approximately 4,500 Hmong were forcefully repatriated from Thailand. Despite assurances of the Lao government, relatives in the U.S. complain of an inability to contact or obtain official news about their loved ones.
Government, Hmong, Human Rights, International, Laotian
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 30, 2010) – U.S. Sen. Al Franken (DFL-MN) will travel to Vietnam next week with Sens. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)
Korean Adoptees Ministry celebrates 10th Anniversary
PaDao Yang leads youth leadership development arts program
Mu Performing Arts prepares for new season
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