In 2019, I was asked to co-coordinate the Lao New Year pageant and related events. With the support of friends, we successfully organized our first event, which was both exciting and fulfilling. This experience sparked a deep passion for preserving and sharing our Lao culture.
Shortly after, I faced personal loss, mourning the passing of my grandmother and my husband’s grandfather. Their absence created a significant void in my life, prompting me to reflect on how to honor their legacies and ensure that my children remain connected to their roots.
As time went on, we continued to coordinate the Lao New Year events and became involved in other cultural festivals. Each event was an opportunity to ask questions, learn, and strengthen our community ties. Our group steadily grew, filled with individuals who shared a commitment to our heritage.
Feeling a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment, I realized it was essential to take the next step. Thus, we established this nonprofit, focusing on what matters most to us: preserving our identity and culture for future generations. Through education and engagement, we aim to make sure our children—and the broader community—understand and celebrate our rich Lao heritage.
When we were younger, my dad and his friends called themselves “Thit Champa.” They even formed a band by that name. The term “thit” loosely translates to someone who was a novice monk that has left the monastery, while “champa” refers to the plumeria, the national flower of Laos.
Inspired by this, we thought it would be a meaningful way to honor our fathers and uncles while also representing ourselves. As their children, nieces, and nephews, we wanted to carry forward their legacy. ‘Louk Lahn Champa’ symbolizes our connection to our roots and the continuation of the values and traditions they instilled in us. It’s a way for us to celebrate our heritage and keep their spirit alive in our community.