From Many Places, One Lincoln: Celebrating "The Lives of Immigrants & Refugees"

We were honored to gather at the International Quilt Museum as part of Lincoln Welcoming Week for the public launch of the new book The Lives of Immigrants & Refugees: Tales of Migration, Hope, Grief, and Finding Home in Nebraska. 

This powerful anthology of first-person essays by immigrant and refugee Lincolnites paints a beautiful mosaic of our diverse community. The book, which is a partnership among the Lincoln/Lancaster County Welcoming & Belonging Plan, the Cultural Centers of Lincoln, and University of Nebraska Press, is the result of three years of work gathering stories and encouraging everyday people that their story matters in our small city. 

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird wrote the foreward citing Lincoln’s history of welcoming newcomers, and a team of five editors worked with the book’s 31 authors to bring their stories to the page.

The evening featured meaningful reflections and a discussion highlighting the stories of a panel of the authors, including Raul Sarmiento, Gina Wei, Dr. Helen Fagan, Htee Moo, and the Asian Center’s own Khamisa Abdalla. In fact, six Asian Center team members are among the book’s 31 authors!

“I am glad to share this story in the book. It is important for people to know the stories and struggles of immigrants. How can we be a community together if we don’t see each other’s experiences?” said Khamisa.

The space was packed with guests who had the opportunity to connect directly with the authors during the community reception, share conversations, and purchase advance copies to be signed by the writers. 

“As authors, you have offered your personal experiences with courage and vulnerability so that Lincolnites can understand one another better,” said Lisa Guill, the Asian Center's Director of Communications & Development, an editor for the book, and former Welcoming Coordinator with the Cultural Centers of Lincoln.

The Lives of Immigrants & Refugees is a gift to our city, which will invite compassion, curiosity, and genuine connection across neighborhoods. 

The book is available now at bookstores across Lincoln and beyond. To learn more about the book, purchase your own copy, or stay updated on upcoming events and author discussions, visit https://bit.ly/welcominglnk_book.