📌APIA Every Day (50) - Versailles, a Vietnamese community situated in New Orleans East's Village de l’Est area, is celebrated for its rich diversity, hosting significant populations of Vietnamese, Honduran, and African American residents. Originating from the Versailles Arms apartment complex, the community emerged as Vietnamese immigrants sought refuge following the Vietnam War in 1975. Evolving into the densest concentration of Vietnamese people outside Vietnam, Versailles underwent demographic shifts, reaching a population of 10,699 in 2000 and 9,389 in 2010, rebounding resiliently after Hurricane Katrina.

The Associated Catholic Charities facilitated the settlement of the first wave of Vietnamese refugees in the Versailles Arms Apartments. Despite facing challenges such as the closure of the NASA plant and aftermath of illegal dumping post-Hurricane Katrina, Versailles showcased remarkable resilience, with nearly all residents returning by 2007. The community also experienced an influx of Hispanic immigrants during the post-Katrina reconstruction period.

Versailles is distinguished by its landscape of predominantly Vietnamese-owned businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, beauty salons, bars, and medical practices, reflecting the community's strong cultural identity. Serving as the commercial hub of Versailles, Village de L'Est, often referred to as "Little Vietnam," features establishments like Dong Phuong Restaurant & Bakery and the Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, fostering unity among Vietnamese residents. The Vietnamese community has successfully embraced and integrated with New Orleans culture, turning Versailles into a comforting haven. This is reflected in today's Viet-Cajun cuisine, influenced by Black cooks who shared their expertise with Vietnamese families, adding a twist to the formidable New Orleans culture.

📌APIA Every Day (49) - Shinzo Ohki, born in Kamakura, Japan, in 1883, founded the Oriental Show-You Company, one of the first fermented soy sauce businesses in the U.S. Immigrating in 1901, he settled in Seattle before moving between Michigan, Illinois and several other states. After earning a degree in business administration in New York, Ohki established roots in Columbia City, IN, and in 1924, he created the Oriental Shoyu Factory, also known as "Show You," specializing in fermented soy sauce and various Japanese products.

As one of the few soy sauce producers in the U.S., the Oriental Show-You Company defied expectations during the early 20th century when Japanese cuisine faced limited popularity. Ohki's business strategies, including featuring products in grocery ads, hosting catering events, and distributing free cookbooks, played a pivotal role in the company's unexpected success and popularity of East Asian dishes in America.

Because of Ohki's thriving soy sauce company, coupled with robust community support, he was not forced into incarceration camps and draft registration during World War II. Columbia City’s Rotary members initiated a letter-writing campaign, emphasizing Ohki's positive contributions and role as a major employer in Columbia City. Ohki's contributions are defined on a historical marker in Columbia City, marking the trajectory of his company from a small business to a large-scale production facility, underscoring the Whitley County’s support for Shinzo Ohki, one of the few Japanese Americans in the area.

📌APIA Every Day (48) - Palisades Park is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, often referred to as "Koreatown" or "Little Korea in America," emerged as a prominent ethnic Korean enclave during the significant influx of immigrants in the 1990s. Drawn by the area's safety, reputable schools, and convenient proximity to the George Washington Bridge for city commuting, a pattern of Koreans moving from NYC to Bergen County developed. Palisades Park now boasts the highest concentration of Korean populations in America, with 52% of the borough comprising Koreans. It has become a central hub of Korean American culture, featuring diverse businesses, community centers, schools, and hosting national martial arts tournaments. It serves as more than just a Korean hotspot; it also acts as a showcase for significant moments in Korean history through monuments commemorating World War II's comfort women and the tragic sinking of the Sewol Ferry in 2014.

Besides Koreans, there is also a significant Latin and Central American population, specifically Guatemalan. When the White exodus, the large-scale migration of White people from areas becoming more racially/ethnically diverse, occurred in the 90s and 2000s, Guatemalans migrated to the borough for labor opportunities. The residence of both immigrant groups in Palisades Park has been beneficial, with Guatemalans finding employment in the area and Korean businesses establishing a steady income. However, there are rising tensions between the two linked to gentrification issues.

Koreatown has become a comfort to the Korean American community in New Jersey, and while there are intricate nuances to understand about this ethnic enclave and surrounding immigrant residents, Palisades Park plays a vital role in building a Korean presence often overlooked in America.

📌APIA Every Day (47) - Chicago's Chinatown, located in Armour Square neighborhood, stands as not only the city's fastest growing ethnic enclaves by population but the country's only growing Chinatown by area in the past decade. The community's roots trace back to 1869 when Chinese immigrants sought refuge in Chicago after completing the First Transcontinental Railroad, escaping anti-Chinese violence on the west coast. Along Clark Street in the Loop, the Chinese immigrant community initially established numerous businesses, restaurants, and Christian missions by the late 1800s. Following the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Chinese migration surged in Chicago, finding support in existing clan associations. Despite facing discrimination, clan ties played a crucial role, facilitating business financing and employment opportunities. The Chinese population doubled from 1890 to 1900, solidifying connections within Chinatown.

As the community prospered, a series of events unfolded in Chinatown. The Tong Wars (violent disputes in the 1900s among rival Chinese Tong faction) marked by the 1909 shootout, erupted and left a mark on the history of Old Chinatown. In 1912, discrimination intensified with the renewal of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, prompting migration south to Armour Square. The On Leong Merchants Association played a pivotal role in establishing "New Chinatown" along Cermak Road, witnessing significant economic and architectural developments. The 1975 Chinatown Gateway aimed to foster unity, and the late 1980s saw Chinatown Square and residential expansions. Growth continued into the late 20th century, symbolized by the creation of Ping Tom Memorial Park in 1999, reflecting the continual prosperity of the community to this day.

Despite the first Chinese arriving 157 years ago in Chicago's 185-year history, Chinatown constituents elected Nicole Lee as their alderperson, making her the first Chinese American to serve in the City Council and the first to represent an Asian American majority ward in 2023.

📌APIA Every Day (46) - Thai Town, officially recognized by the Los Angeles City Council in 1999 as the first and only Thai Town in the United States, has a rich history. The initial influx of Thai Americans to Los Angeles occurred during the 1950s, followed by increased migration attributed to U.S. Cold War intervention in Thailand and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. This growth continued through the 1970s, marked by the establishment of Thai temples, including the Wat Thai Buddhist Temple, alongside the emergence of Thai businesses and newspapers.

Despite the growth in the 1970s, the 1992 LA riots (spurred from the acquittal of four LAPD officers charged with using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King) inflicted damage on several Thai businesses, prompting a response from a politically conscious Thai community. The Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC), in collaboration with the Thai Town Formation Committee, engaged with LA government officials to establish Thai Town.

Thai Town, currently spanning six blocks from Western to Normandie Avenues in East Hollywood, has transformed into a vibrant social and economic center for Thai Americans. The revitalization efforts aimed to uplift families from poverty and provide a platform to showcase Thai culture, offering the community a voice in public affairs.

In 2008, Thai Town received federal recognition as a Preserve America neighborhood, a significant milestone in its cultural journey. Beyond becoming a cultural hub, Thai Town symbolized the rich Thai heritage through statues of apsonsi, mythical half-human, half-lion angels from Thai folklore. The annual Thai New Year’s Day Songkran Festival in April searches upwards of 100,000 visitors. Thai Town's dedication to cultural preservation, economic growth, and community ties positions it as a vibrant and culturally significant enclave in the diverse landscape of Los Angeles.

📌APIA Every Day (45) - Grace Lee Boggs, a multifaceted figure recognized for her impactful contributions to Asian American, Black Power, and Civil Rights movements, was born in 1915 to Chinese immigrants in Providence, Rhode Island. After earning her Ph.D., she relocated to the Midwest, where she worked at the University of Chicago's philosophy library, establishing connections with groups protesting poor living conditions and gaining insights into the Black community. During the 1940s, Boggs played a pivotal role in editing the radical Johnsonite publication Correspondence, translating Karl Marx's letters, and championing the concept of workers' self-activity.

In 1953, Boggs moved to Detroit, a focal point for Johnsonite organizing, and married James Boggs, a Chrysler auto worker and African-American activist. The couple became influential figures, addressing a spectrum of issues, including labor, civil rights, feminism, Black Power, Asian Americans, and environmental concerns. Their association with insurgent groups, notably the Revolutionary Action Movement, drew the attention of the FBI. Throughout the ensuing decades, Grace Lee Boggs not only viewed urban crimes as a by-product of advanced capitalism but also as a moral crisis, actively engaging in various initiatives to address societal issues.

Grace Lee Boggs remained active well into her later years, participating in meetings of Black women organizing against violence in the 1990s and launching Detroit Summer, a program involving youth in community gardens and school projects. Her enduring commitment is reflected in her lectures, a newspaper column she wrote until the age of 98, the publication of her autobiography, and her co-authorship of a book on sustainable activism in the 21st century. Additionally, her legacy persists through her involvement in establishing the James and Grace Lee Boggs School in 2013, integrating Detroit's issues into its curriculum, and her co-founding of the National Organization for an American Revolution (NOAR) alongside James Boggs. How can Grace Lee Boggs’ contributions to the Black Power, Asian American, and Civil Rights Movements be recognized through historic preservation?

📌APIA Every Day (44) - Yuri Kochiyama, born in 1921 to Japanese immigrants in California, led a life defined by resilience and activism. Her journey into civil rights advocacy began when her family was forced into incarceration, initially at Santa Anita Assembly Center, CA (converted racetrack grounds) and later at Jerome Relocation Center, AK during the 1940s. Upon moving to New York in 1946, her commitment to activism gained momentum in the 1960s, inspired by the school inequality and occupational challenges faced by her and her Black neighbors in Harlem.

Kochiyama's impactful activism reached its pinnacle in 1965 when she cradled Malcolm X's head after his tragic assassination in the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, NY. This moment symbolized the culmination of their collaboration. Subsequently, she played a crucial role in the Revolutionary Action Movement, actively participating in anti-war protests, and contributing significantly to the 1977 takeover of the Statue of Liberty, advocating for Puerto Rican political prisoners. In 1980, she marched in support of Silver Palace restaurant workers in NYC's Chinatown, actively assisting them in reclaiming their jobs after facing injustice. Kochiyama's dedication extended to addressing the injustices suffered by Japanese Americans, ultimately contributing to the redress movement that culminated in the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

Settling in Oakland, California, she continued unwavering advocacy against anti-Muslim bigotry and racial profiling post-9/11. Despite debates surrounding her controversial beliefs, Kochiyama earned widespread admiration for her adeptness in building bridges between races, generations, and nations. Yuri Kochiyama's significant contributions to the mid-twentieth-century civil rights movement are frequently overlooked. However, her lasting legacy is firmly anchored in the enduring remnants of her unwavering dedication to human rights, spanning civil rights activism, anti-war movements, and efforts toward redress for Japanese Americans. How can Yuri Kochiyama’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and legacy of Afro-Asian solidarity be recognized through historic preservation?

📌APIA Every Day (43) - Situated on Baxter Road in Virginia Beach, the Philippine Cultural Center (PCC) stands as a vital hub for the local Filipino community, specifically addressing cultural challenges faced by first-generation Americans. The Filipino presence in Virginia dates back to as early as the 19th century, gaining significant momentum following the Spanish-American War, particularly through the U.S. Navy's recruitment of Filipino citizens. After the Philippines gained independence in 1946 and the passage of the Immigration Act of 1965, nearly 35,000 Filipino servicemen established roots in community-oriented Navy housing in Hampton Roads. These events facilitated the migration of skilled Filipino women, including medical professionals, to the Virginia Beach area, where they made substantial contributions to the region's healthcare sector. A highway marker commemorating Filipino and Filipino-American sailors is located in front of the Philippine Cultural Center.

While the center was established in 2000, the PCC has deep roots in the Council of United Filipino Organizations of Tidewater (CUFOT), uniting organizations since 1976 with the aim of creating a cultural center. Notable fundraising efforts and a pivotal 1999 loan facilitated the construction of the PCC, which today extends its influence beyond its origins, hosting events and serving the entire Hampton Roads community. Under the guidance of Director Rachel Lizan, the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCAPA) within the PCC offers engaging programs in folklore, language, songs, and dance, connecting children with their rich Filipino heritage. Dr. Cynthia Romero, Chairman of CUFOT, emphasizes the center's significance in community events, actively integrating Filipinos into the local community. The PCC stands as a steadfast beacon, meticulously preserving traditions and nurturing a robust community spirit, reflecting the multifaceted and rich Filipino heritage woven into the vibrant tapestry of Virginia Beach.

📌APIA Every Day (42) - The Mills 50 district in Orlando, Florida, has evolved into an ethnic enclave for Asian American businesses, particularly of Vietnamese origin, hosting over 13,000 Vietnamese residents. Following the Vietnam War, refugees settled in West Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, initially engaging in shrimping. In these regions, Vietnamese communities flourished and gradually established businesses. Central Florida became a primary settlement for 1,100 refugees, who chose Mills 50 as their central area due to the bustling nature of other neighborhoods. In 1987, Mills 50 was filled with Vietnamese doctors, dentists, and tailors who operated several storefronts. Since then, the area has only expanded, now representing various Asian cultures, including Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, Thai, and Japanese populations.

With approximately 78,000 Asian American residents in Orange County, Florida—constituting 6% of the total population according to the 2020 census—Mills 50 stands out for its unique concentration in the area. The district symbolizes Orlando's multiculturalism, hosting authentic Asian-owned establishments that enrich the city's diverse fabric. Mills 50 has also become a neighborhood hub for the LGBTQIA+ community.

📌APIA Every Day (41) - The Topaz Detention Camp, also known as the Central Utah Relocation Center, Topaz War Relocation Center, and briefly Abraham Relocation Center, was a concentration camp established in Delta, Utah, during World War II. Authorized by Executive Order 9066 in February 1942, it served as a residence for 11,212 Japanese Americans and Japanese immigrants, mostly from the San Francisco Bay area, covering 19,800 acres and operated over three years until October 31, 1945. Before their transfer to Topaz, individuals were temporarily detained at the Tanforan and Santa Anita Racetracks in California, where many were forced to live in horse stalls for six months while awaiting the completion of Topaz.

The camp presented harsh conditions characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and uninsulated barracks. Internees engaged in various activities and were employed at the camp, earning monthly wages ranging from $14 to $16. Tensions reached a climax during the winter of 1942–1943, marked by a loyalty questionnaire that led to the relocation of those deemed "disloyal" to the Tule Lake Segregation Camp in California. Simultaneously, the Japanese American men who were considered "loyal" were drafted for military service. This period also saw tragic incidents, such as the fatal shooting of the 63-year-old internee, James Wakasa, who was killed by a military sentry while walking his dog near the fence surrounding the Topaz concentration camp, prompting a large funeral and a work stoppage.

Following Topaz's closure in 1945, the campsite's buildings were either relocated throughout Utah or dismantled. In 2007, Topaz received National Historic Landmark status, leading to preservation efforts, including the establishment of the Topaz Museum in Delta in 2017.

📌APIA Every Day (40) - Perched on Lanai's southern sea cliffs, overlooking Kaunolu Bay, Kaunolu Village stands as the largest surviving ruins of a prehistoric Hawaiian settlement dating back to the 1400s. Divided into Kaunolu and Kealiakapu, the site boasts 86 house platforms, 35 stone shelters, 9 graves, and over 30 detached pens. Despite its arid environment, the village served as a revered fishing spot with a sheltered landing for canoes. King Kamehameha I frequented the area for fishing, with his house platform situated across the gulch from Halulu Heiau, perched high on the cliff above the bay. Between 1778 and 1810, he conducted ceremonies at this heiau, likely a luakini war/sacrifice site. During the late 18th century, Maui high chief Kahekili, a rival of Kamehameha, also visited.

The site features Kahekili's Leap, an 80-foot precipice offering a perfect view of Lanai’s western sea cliffs. Historically, it served as a site for lele kawa (cliff jumping), showcasing bravery through daring dives. Petroglyphs throughout the village provide insights into ancient Hawaiian culture, depicting abstract symbols, human figures, and animals.

Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1962 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, Kaunolu Village's well-preserved structural remains date back to its residents until the 1880s. Offering a comprehensive view of various phases of Hawaiian life, from the residential complexes of ali'i (chief/chiefess) to the village's decline, it serves as a unique and well-preserved window into Hawaii's ancient history.

📌APIA Every Day (39) - Established in 2004 by entrepreneur Toua Xiong, Hmongtown Marketplace proudly stands as the first Hmong-owned and operated market in the United States, nestled in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Hmong migration to the United States, commencing in the mid-to-late 1970s, experienced a resurgence with the passage of the Refugee Act of 1980. This wave, emphasizing family reunification and propelled by the strong bonds within the Hmong culture's clan structure, found Minnesota particularly attractive due to its employment opportunities, access to public housing, and welfare benefits. Agencies like Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, and World Relief Minnesota further facilitated this migration by providing refugees with resources. Today, St. Paul, Minnesota and the establishment of Hmongtown Marketplace stand as a historical marker for the nearly 36,000-strong Hmong population and their ongoing journey in preserving their culture within the U.S.

Spanning 6 acres of land formerly used as a lumber yard, Hmongtown Marketplace comprises two buildings and an open-air market space, playing a vital role in addressing the needs of Hmong immigrants. Drawing inspiration from open-air markets in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Vientiane, Laos, this vibrant cultural hub offers a diverse array of culturally specific fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other edible plants. Less than four miles away lies a similar marketplace known as Hmong Village; together, these sites contribute to the greater Little Mekong Cultural District [APIA Every Day 19]. Hmongtown serves as a gathering place, providing access to preferred supplies and foods, significantly contributing to the economic and cultural development of the Minnesota Hmong diaspora. Most vendors communicate in a Hmong dialect, creating employment and business opportunities. Open every day for 12 hours, the marketplace dynamically reflects the rich diversity and culture of the Twin Cities.

📌APIA Every Day (38) - Eden Center in Falls Church, Virginia, stands as the largest Vietnamese commercial hub on the East Coast, tracing its roots back to the post-Vietnam War era. Initially, Vietnamese refugees settled in Clarendon, a neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia, during the late 1970s, transforming it into Little Saigon and seeking new opportunities in the DC metropolitan area. Despite the challenges faced by the 1975 wave of Vietnamese immigrants, businesses such as Saigon Market and Vietnam Center not only offered authentic goods but also became integral to Arlington's evolving landscape. However, the opening of Clarendon’s metro station in 1979 led to increasing rents. By 1984, many Vietnamese business owners had relocated to Eden Center, situated six miles further west in the city of Falls Church, marking its transformation into a cultural hub that currently embodies the heart and soul of the Vietnamese American community.

Distinguished by the iconic Clock Tower and Lion Arch at the entrance, Eden Center symbolizes rich cultural diversity, providing a home away from home for Vietnamese immigrants who settled in the Washington DC metropolitan area after the Vietnam War. Hosting annual festivals like Tet and the Moon Festival, it remains a vibrant focal point for the Vietnamese American community on the East Coast. The center was nominated by students at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School in 2021 and received recognition in the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Historical Marker contest. According to the plaque, Eden Center evolved into a regional gathering spot for Vietnamese Americans, acknowledging their journey from war-torn Vietnam to Clarendon and eventually to Eden Center.