Tacoma's Asian Accent

Almost 8% of Tacoma's population is Asian. The largest subcategory of our Asian population is Vietnamese, followed by the Korean and Filipino subcategories. Our Asian population continues to grow and is for now staying ahead of our Hispanic/Latino population numerically. In the year 2000, 48% of our immigrants were from Asia.

Tacoma doesn't have a Chinatown like other West-Coast cities our size, because of our infamous expulsion of the Chinese in 1885 (see post of August 19, 2005: City of Reconciliation). Nevertheless, the presence of our multicultural Asian community is visible in its several Buddhist temples, its many Korean Christian churches, and its beautiful flower gardens often accented with miniature pagodas or other Asian ornaments. My fellow-walker Marcus and I happened upon this large Buddha head on N 31st St.

As I walk, I pray for the different individuals and people groups that come to my attention. I'm hoping to learn more about the needs and aspirations of our Asian neighbors this year.

New Walking Partner

My grandson, Micah Rios, came on the Tacoma walk with me today. Well, okay, he rode while his dad, Ted, pushed. Nevertheless he covered about 3 miles with me in the N Commencement Bay Drive neighborhood. With his ready ear he drew our attention to every lawn mower roaring on this hazy Memorial Weekend Saturday. Lawn mowers fascinate Micah, and we hope he will retain his interest when he's old enough to push one! And yes, those are Crocs he's wearing with Cars doodads stuck in the holes.

Among other things, Ted and I talked about the Asian influence on the culture of our city.