The Vietnamese American Experience

Houston: In spite of a busy Wednesday schedule and post Ike chaos, Houstonians gathered at the Houston Community College on October 1, 2008 to listen to noted writer/journalist Andrew Lam.

In his engaging and thoughtful style Andrew Lam enticed the audience from start to end with his story of lifelong struggle for identity, both in society and his own. Lam told of his heart break and how that inspired him into writing. “It was then that I discovered the journalist, the author in me and of what it means to be an immigrant, a son, and a survivor,” says Lam.

Asia Society Texas Center was pleased to present Creative Voices, Creative Minds: The Vietnamese American Experience, a series of programs that seeks to celebrate the cultural and artistic contributions of Vietnamese Americans. Designed to complement the exhibition Exit Saigon – Enter Little Saigon, produced by the Smithsonian, this series features Vietnamese American artists from a variety of fields including literature, film, and the visual arts.

Andrew read excerpts from his new book Perfume Dreams and with his fine elocution kept the audience glued to the seats till the end as they joined him in exploring the unique influences of the immigrant experience on the creative process.

“I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mr. Lam and I look forward to reading his book,” said David M. Nguyen, Attorney At Law, Law Office of David Nguyen, and PLLC.

Chinese International News Reporter/Anchor Yi Tian felt that the event was not only informative but quite engaging. “Andrew has the power to keep the audience listening,” smiled Yi.

After his speech Andrew was hurled with questions from the attendees and his remark “One must follow their dreams. It’s just worth it to give them a chance,” left the gathered mesmerized.

Creative Voices, Creative Minds is a program series developed by Asia Society Texas Center. Asia Society Texas Center is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. Additional support for this program is generously provided by Houston Community College and Martell Cognac.

Photos Courtesy: Asia Society