Vietnamese in Kentucky
The First 50 Years
A Book Project by the Vietnamese Community of Louisville and Moving Voices
Preserving History
We aim to preserve the Vietnamese community’s rich history in Kentucky by documenting the experiences of individuals and groups who settled in the state during the first half-century following the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
Sharing Our Stories
The culmination of this project will be a comprehensive book featuring a collection of personal stories. Each story is its own chapter, featuring a Vietnamese refugee, immigrant, family, or organization, tracing their journey from Vietnam to Kentucky and their subsequent contributions to the state’s vibrant tapestry.
Each week, we’ll release a new chapter online to engage a broad audience. Once all the chapters have been shared, we’ll compile the stories into a book for publication.
Legacy and Heritage
This resource will serve as a vital link between future generations of Vietnamese Americans and the legacy of their ancestors, fostering a deeper understanding of their heritage and resilience. The book will also provide the broader community with unique insight into the lives and culture of the first waves of Vietnamese immigrants who made their home in Kentucky.
Who Can Contribute?
Anyone, regardless of age or background, may submit stories for the book, as long as they align with our purpose.
Stories may be submitted in English, Vietnamese, or both. A team of volunteers will provide the necessary editing and translations so that all published stories are bilingual.
Submit Your Story
Each story can be presented as a written article, poem, song, photo essay, or any combination thereof. Since every story is considered its own chapter, it may include several parts but must not be divided into multiple chapters. To accommodate the many stories expected in the book, each story is limited to around 4,000 words.
