SE Asian Influence Honored

Lan Pho and Jeffrey Gerson celebrate the release of a book chronicling the struggles and contributions of the Southeast Asian population in Lowell over the past 30 years.

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With a population of 20,000, Lowell’s Southeast Asian community is second only to that of Long Beach, Calif. The influence of this population – which numbers a fifth of the city’s total – and its significant cultural contributions have been chronicled in a new book authored by Lan Pho, director emerita of the Center for Diversity and Pluralism at UMass Lowell, and edited by Political Science Prof. Jeffrey Gerson.

More than 100 people attended a May 6 book signing and recognition event at the Mogan Center in Lowell, including former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis, who was honored for his work with immigrant groups. Dukakis was one of nine community leaders and advocates honored at the event.

Pho’s book, called “Southeast Asian Refugees and Immigrants in the Mill City,” includes essays and studies about the resettlement of Southeast Asian immigrants to Lowell that began 30 years ago in response to conditions in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. 

Pho’s book is available online at www.upne.com.  Entering keycode DM95 will provide a 30 percent discount. 

For photos from the reception, see UML's photo gallery.