The Southeast Asian Diaspora: Framing Immigration and the Assimilation/Retention of Culture This episode covers the Southeast Asian Diaspora in the late 20th century. These storytellers tap into the wellspring of memories from the past and visions of the future to produce an episode about what happens when refugees' cultures intersect with American shores. Tu and Chue Lee are Hmong refugees that came as children to the United States in the wake of the Vietnam War, having been hunted through the jungles of Thailand. Now, 35 years later, they blend Southern US values and Southeast Asian tradition at farmer’s markets, restaurants, and homes around Western North Carolina from their family farms spread across the mountains. They are the co-proprietors of Lee’s One Fortune and built a series of successful family farms that grow traditional Asian vegetables. The Lees introduced rice and other fresh foods to farmer’s markets across Black Mountain, Asheville, Marion and beyond and continue to expand as they serve thousands across markets, restaurants, and homes.
From the Guests
“To be able to make a decent living, you have to find a niche that you can plug yourself into. Our niche here is that we went completely Asian produce, and rice, and Asian fruits. That’s our niche here in this community; it’s something that no one else is doing.” - Chue Lee