Without hesitation, many Lao elders identified the sticky rice basket as representing their homeland of Laos. Elder L05 stated, “Laos is sticky rice. That is the symbol. With sticky rice, everything we can cope with. But without our sticky rice, we cannot.”
Reflect on the journeys of your elders—whether they crossed borders or overcame obstacles closer to home—and how their pursuit of a better life, a place of belonging, and a sense of home resonates within your own story.
This project was made possible with support from Loyola Marymount University, LA2050, and California Humanities. California Humanities is a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.calhum.org. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this site do not necessarily represent those of Loyola Marymount, LA2050, California Humanities, or the National Endowment for the Humanities.
