Day 159: Asian District, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

📌APIA Every Day (159) - The Asian District in Oklahoma City, previously known as "Little Saigon," emerged in the mid-1970s when thousands of Vietnamese refugees settled in the area following the Vietnam War. Located off Classen Blvd between NW 23rd St and NW 30th St, near Oklahoma City's Chinatown, the area was often referred to as “the Vietnamese heart” due to the memorial honoring veterans from Vietnam and their American allies in Military Park. The Vietnamese American Community of Oklahoma City raised funds to provide a statue called “Brothers in Arms” that depicts American and Vietnamese soldiers standing in solidarity. The district officially adopted the name Asian District to reflect its diverse and evolving population. Over time, the area expanded to include a variety of businesses and restaurants, attracting not only Vietnamese patrons but also the broader OKC community.

The history of Asians in Oklahoma City began before the arrival of the Vietnamese population. In the mid-nineteenth century, Chinese laborers arrived around the time of the Land Run of 1889, working in railroads, laundries, and restaurants. Early Chinese settlers lived in a small, mostly hidden "Chinatown" in downtown Oklahoma City. Their numbers peaked in the early 20th century but declined during the Great Depression. Japanese immigration to Oklahoma followed around 1900, with many working as gardeners or household staff for wealthy families. During World War II, Japanese Americans faced discrimination but were not incarcerated in Oklahoma, and the community grew post-war with new immigration laws. From the 1970s onwards, the Asian population in Oklahoma City diversified significantly. Korean immigration increased, spurred by post-Korean War policies and family reunification programs, while Vietnamese refugees arrived in large numbers, forming a vibrant community in what became known as Little Saigon.

By 2000, Vietnamese made up the largest Asian group in Oklahoma City, with significant communities of Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, and Indians. The Asian District Cultural Association and the annual Asian Night Market Festival play a key role in maintaining cultural practices and fostering community among the diverse Asian populations. These efforts, along with the establishment of various businesses, have integrated the Asian community into Oklahoma City's broader economic and cultural landscape.

LEARN MORE:

Oklahoma Historical Society: The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

405 Magazine: Inside OKC’s Asian District

The Modern Frontier: A Day in the Asian District

Travel Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Asian District

YouTube: OKC’s Asian District

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