Fresno, CA — On Friday, Nov. 7, Fresno Immigrant and Refugee Ministries (FIRM), Stone Soup Fresno, and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC) hosted a vibrant, community‑wide screening of Southeast Asian American Journeys, the acclaimed five‑episode documentary series by filmmaker Quyên Nguyen‑Le, in partnership with SEARAC and the Center for Asian American Media. The event took place at the Dr. Sharon Stanley‑Rea Center in Fresno.
This year marks a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugees resettling in the United States — a moment being commemorated nationally and locally. The Fresno screening provided an opportunity for the region’s Cambodian, Hmong, Lao, Mien, Montagnard, and Vietnamese communities to honor their shared journey and reflect on the past half‑century of contributions to the Central Valley.
The evening combined a special screening of the series with live cultural performances by Nadtasin Lao Lanxang and Ntxhais Nkauj Hnub Qub, followed by a community discussion with SEARAC Executive Director, Quyên Đinh. Supported in part by AARP, The Asian American Foundation, and Weingart Foundation, with audiovisual sponsorship from the Community Media Access Collaborative, the event was both a celebration and reminder: the voices of Southeast Asian Americans are integral to the fabric of Fresno and beyond.
“It was a deep joy to celebrate 50 years of the legacy of Southeast Asian Americans across the country with friends, partners, and neighbors this month. As we honor the unique journeys highlighted, we couldn’t help but see the commonalities across communities and remember so many more stories yet to be told,” said Christine Barker-Dominguez, Executive Director at Fresno Immigrant and Refugee Ministries. “From the elders’ tears to the students’ shock at the archival footage, it was a powerful night to be remembered for years to come. Thank you so much to SEARAC, Stone Soup and FIRM staff for making magic happen.”
May Gnia Her, Executive Director of Stone Soup Fresno, shared, “Commemorating the 50th year since Southeast Asian resettlement honors a powerful legacy of resilience born from war, loss, and courageous new beginnings. Hundreds of thousands sought refuge in the United States, rebuilding their lives while contributing immeasurably to our nation’s cultural, economic, and civic landscape. This milestone reminds us of the strength of refugee families, the compassion that welcomed them, and the communities they transformed. It is also a continuation of collective work and efforts to preserve history, uplift shared stories, and ensure future generations understand both the trauma endured and the triumph achieved. In remembering our journeys, we celebrate healing, hope, and the enduring pursuit of opportunity.”
“It was a joy to gather in Fresno to celebrate the roots and resilience of Southeast Asian American communities,” said Quyên Đinh, Executive Director of SEARAC. “We are deeply grateful to FIRM and Stone Soup Fresno for co‑hosting this celebration. Their leadership and commitment ensure our stories and our power continue to grow.”
“Seeing our community come together to share stories, art, and culture was incredibly moving,” said Thuy Do, Senior California Program Manager at SEARAC. “Moments like this remind us that our collective strength lies in collaboration. We are proud to join partners like FIRM and Stone Soup Fresno who are creating spaces where our histories are made visible and our families are uplifted.”
Media Contact:
Ka Shoua | Communications Manager | Fresno Immigrant and Refugee Ministries| kashoua@firminc.org
May Gnia Her | Executive Director | Stone Soup Fresno | may_gnia@stonesoupfresno.org
Elaine Sanchez Wilson | Senior Director of Communications | Southeast Asia Resource Action Center | elaine@searac.org
About FIRM:
FIRM (Fresno Immigrant and Refugee Ministries), formerly known as Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, has been building communities of hope with New Americans since 1994. As a contracted resettlement agency between 2022-25, FIRM has welcomed over 500 individuals and reunited more than 25 families. Our services span all ages—from young children to elders—across three major program areas: Community Building, Community Health, and Refugee Success. Each year, FIRM works with over 10,000 individuals from refugee communities in the Central Valley, including Hmong, Laotian, Ukrainian, Afghan, and Syrian communities, representing more than 60,000 people in Fresno County. Learn more at: www.firminc.org.
About Stone Soup Fresno:
Stone Soup Fresno has been inspiring children and nurturing families to reach their full potential in America since 1985. Since our inception, service to families is still our priority. Today, 92.8% of families we serve are low to moderate income households. The families we serve are a direct reflection of the community of Fresno County. Come by and you will see a diverse demographic and cultural display of children and families. Education is at the core of all that we do. Our founders believed education is the catalyst that propels families out of poverty and ignites ambition within to success. From early education to after school dual language instruction, green energy workforce development program, job placement, cultural preservation programs, and basic needs resources. Stone Soup Fresno serves Fresno County families with programs to help families meet their potential so families can create the best life possible. All are welcome and we welcome you to stop by and say hello. Together we can inspire children and nurture families to realize their full potential in America. Our community strengthens when our families are strengthened. We invite all to join our Stone Soup Fresno family.
About SEARAC:
SEARAC is a national civil rights organization that builds power with diverse communities from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam to create a socially just and equitable society. As representatives of the largest refugee community ever resettled in the United States, SEARAC stands together with other refugee communities, communities of color, and social justice movements in pursuit of social equity. SEARAC builds up community leaders across California who advance our equity agenda: data equity, education equity, health and mental health equity, and immigrant and refugee rights.