Day 137: The Far East Center, Denver, Colorado
📌APIA Every Day (137) - The Far East Center situated in Denver's Westwood neighborhood, colloquially known as "Little Saigon," emerged after the influx of Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War. Founded by the Luong family, who had faced considerable challenges after fleeing Vietnam, the center serves as a cultural hub with various businesses, including restaurants, a supermarket, and a gift store. Despite initial hardships, including language barriers and discrimination, the Luongs managed to establish a successful enterprise that not only caters to the community's needs but also preserves Vietnamese heritage in the area.
The center recently gained historic recognition when it was added to Colorado's State Register of Historic Properties earlier in February. This acknowledgment was part of History Colorado's initiative to highlight landmarks in communities of color, with the Far East Center being one of the few Asian American and Pacific Islander locations on the registry. The inclusion of this site is part of the broader "Heritage for All" initiative, aimed at diversifying the state's historic registry by adding sites significant to LGBTQ+, women, and people of color.
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