18 Comments
User's avatar
Mark McGuire's avatar

Wonderful story illustrated with terrific photos. I read the three instalments and am impressed with the perseverance of this family. Since street photography is about taking candid photos of strangers, this provides a peek into what we are missing by not engaging with the people we see in public places.

Highlighting the story of an immigrant family is especially important in these troubled times. Very inspiring work, Mark.

Mark White's avatar

Thank you Mark. I came away feeling the same about what street photography misses. of course, it's not meant to dive deeper necessarily, but an occasional deeper dive beyond the form's drive-by nature always pays.

Framing-the-Story's avatar

Great Story! And great photos. Still using Fuji XT-3?

Mark White's avatar

Yes. Though a few older ones here are my Oly OMD Mark II.

Juliette Mansour's avatar

What a beautiful immigrant story! We need more like these. I enjoyed the photos too. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Mark White's avatar

It's a great story. The youngest, the third generation tailor, is committed to keeping her grandparents story alive. Thank you for your eyes on this.

Kenneth Mills's avatar

Fantastic.

KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

Thank you for sharing a look into this family’s history and story. Why there are people that can’t appreciate their and so many others’ story of immigration and toil and their contribution to making America such a rich tapestry and diverse community, especially after all these years and cycles of it, is such a sad commentary. That the government is actively destroying so many lives from these communities (which are everyone’s communities) is especially scary. If I were living back home I couldn’t help but be at these peaceful and important protests. Kudos to you for exploring and sharing a slice of Be’s (and family’s) story with us.

Mark White's avatar

Thank you Kewtie. (May I call you Kewtie?) I appreciate your words on this.

Mark Foard's avatar

I’ve just finished reading this as well as the links you posted. What remarkable stories this family has and we know that there are so many other families that have had similar experiences across the U.S. and Canada as well as other countries around the world. They bring so much to their new countries and we are all the better for them. That’s why it’s so disturbing to see what’s happening in your country right now and knowing that it could spread elsewhere.

Big thanks to you and your co-contributor for sharing this family’s stories. I also want to mention that your photos of the family and their business are excellent.

Mark White's avatar

thank you for reading, Mark! 🙏

Steve Overby's avatar

What a beautifully documented story. I read all the parts in the newspaper as well. It just goes to show that you never know what other people have gone through in their lives. We have a large community of Hmong here in Minnesota, that have gone on to do wonderful things. Thanks for sharing the Nguyen's story.

Mark White's avatar

When I first moved to Seattle shortly after college, I was introduced to the Hmong community here through their quilting. It was such a rich experience for me to leave a pretty white, working class area and land amongst dozens of languages and experiences in a highly diverse South Seattle. Then Raising my children in this rich tapestry of humanity...I wish every child in America could experience it.

Steve Overby's avatar

That's awesome, I'm glad your kids get to experience it. Yes, there sewing is amazing. And their farming skills as well. There are always lots of them at the local farmers markets.

søren k. harbel's avatar

Wonderful story. It is so inspiring to read about the will and commitment of new immigrants, wherever you are in the world. The will is remarkable. Those of us who have not walked a mile in Mr. Nguyen's shoes, should take a moment. We would all be better for it.

Mark White's avatar

I appreciate your eyes and words. Thank you. Yes...a mile, a few blocks, even a few feet walking in someone else's shoes makes all the difference.