The Bay How San José Became Home for Vietnamese Americans
May 2, 2025
Joseph Jiha, a South Bay reporter for KQED, dives into the rich history of the Vietnamese American community in San José, marking 50 years since the Vietnam War's end. He shares personal narratives of refugee journeys that reveal harrowing escapes and the cultural adaptation faced by families. The discussion also touches on systemic challenges within the community, including a tragic police shooting that ignited activism. Ultimately, Joseph explores the resilience and hopes of second-generation Vietnamese Americans as they navigate their identities.
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Fall of Saigon Shaped Community
- The fall of Saigon in 1975 triggered Vietnamese refugees to flee and resettle in places like Santa Clara County, which opened formal resettlement programs early on.
- This moment shaped the foundation for the now deeply rooted Vietnamese American community in San Jose.
Betty Young's Refugee Journey
- Betty Young's family fled Vietnam in 1977 on a fishing boat and faced life-threatening conditions at sea before being rescued and resettled in San Jose.
- She later became the first Vietnamese-American county supervisor in Santa Clara, symbolizing the immigrant journey from refuge to leadership.
Childhood Racism Faced Locally
- Growing up in downtown San Jose, Betty Young lived in a tight-knit multicultural neighborhood but faced racism and bigotry regularly.
- She recalls insults and difficulties surrounding language barriers that challenged her family's identity and belonging.