VBP Story Slam: Asian American Stories

We’ve extended the deadline to April 4, 2021! Given the rise in Asian American hate crimes we want to give you this platform and space to share your stories, feelings and activism. #StopAsianHate

Last year’s inaugural event captivated over 1,200 live viewers! After a successful launch in May 2020 (thanks to all of you) we are back for another year of incredible storytelling. And we want to hear your story!

The VBP story slam is an engaging live event that provides a platform and an opportunity for storytellers to share their perspective and personal stories around a specified theme. Storytellers have an allotted amount of time to share their stories using their preferred medium and format such as monologues, theatrical performances, music, art, or poetry.This year’s theme is ‘2020: A Year Unlike Any Other’. Individuals 18 and older, are invited to submit personal stories of their Vietnamese American perspective on how the events of 2020 have impacted them as Asian Americans, using various mediums including, but not limited to, spoken word, poetry, music, visual art, documentary, animation and more.

Up to eight submissions will be chosen by the Vietnamese Boat People team and storytellers will have the opportunity to share their story on a live-stream virtual stage in front of a global
audience. Additionally, selected storytellers will each receive $100 cash and their stories will be featured in the Vietnamese Boat People Podcast.

“Last year, we held the very first Story Slam of this kind for the Vietnamese American community and were blown away by all the submissions that came in from west to east coast. Our selected Storytellers brought complex stories that stemmed from their families’ diaspora history to present day Asian American identities. This year, we want people to share how 2020 has impacted their lives and/or changed their perspectives; from the global pandemic, to the divide within the Vietnamese community on the Presidential election to our roles in the Black Lives Matter movement,” said Vietnamese Boat People Founder and Podcast Host, Tracey Nguyen Mang.

The virtual event will be live-streamed on Facebook on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 7:00pm ET. Selected Storytellers must be available to appear on the live event to be considered. The event will be free and open to the public online. If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out to Tricia Vuong at tricia@vietnameseboatpeople.org and we’ll try to accommodate.

Requirements

Stories must reflect a real life experience. It can be your own, or you can retell a story about someone else you know. The tone of the story can vary, tragic or funny, heavy or light, history or current. Video styles may vary and creativity is encouraged. Submissions can include interviews conducted by the storyteller, photos, props, music, etc.

Application Instructions

All submissions must be entered by 11:59 pm ET on April 4, 2021.

There is no fee to enter. You must be at least 18 years old. By submitting an entry, you agree to these terms and conditions. To enter, please submit a video no longer than three minutes. Feel free to use interviews, photos, music, etc. Submissions over three minutes long will not be considered.

Submit using this Google Form link.