The Lao Assistance Center met Friday, November 13th in the Harrison Neighborhood with staff from the Harrison Neighborhood Association, Redeemer Lutheran Church, SEACC and other organizations serving North Minneapolis.
The event was organized as a holiday potluck, with cultural foods available for participants reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of the many organizations represented. Egg rolls, spring rolls, lao beef jerky, purple rice, sticky rice, fried chicken, papaya salad and pies were some of the many examples on hand.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss culture, race and community perspectives and to help expand one another's work in the coming years ahead. Over 30 people came representing diverse ways of life and interests in social change, including a visiting intern from Norway.
Sunny Chantanouvong, the Lao Assistance Center director gave a spirited presentation on Lao culture and the other members of the Lao Assistance staff gave their stories about how they became involved with the organization.
Doua Lee, executive director for the Southeast Asian Community Council spoke about the history of the Hmong and differences and similarities between other cultures around the world.
The Harrison Neighborhood Association has played a positive role in fostering community dialogues with the Lao Assistance Center. Everyone was pleased to see so many positive and progressive talents and skills being brought together to build a better community.
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