MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A Madison-based group is bringing together dozens of Asian cultures to create a sense of community. Founder Laura Lahti says she launched the group, “Amasian,” in 2022 to showcase the vibrant Asian culture that is often overlooked in Madison.
“Growing up in the Twin Cities as an adopted child, I always felt a lack of belonging,” Rahit said, “and I don’t know if it was a sense of belonging to a community or a culture where there might be people like me.”
The word Amasian is a combination of Asian and amazing, Rahit said. The group became a nonprofit just a few months ago.
“We want to be inclusive and we want the community to come and know what we do,” she said. “I think it’s really important that people don’t feel alone and that they feel they can talk to someone.”
Seung Hee Gritman, vice president of Amasian and, like Lahti, adopted from South Korea, grew up in northeastern Iowa and always wanted to be part of a community like Amasian.
Growing up in the Twin Cities, Laura Lahti says she often felt a lack of belonging in the community. (Laura Lahti)
“I think for people from those backgrounds, we’re looking for that special place where we fit in and people are accepting,” she said.
The group hosts cultural events such as Lunar New Year celebrations in February.
“It was a really great event, I was really impressed,” Gritman said. “There was a dragon dance and a lot of food.”
Both Lahti and Gritman believe such a diverse group makes Madison a better city.
“I think it’s a good thing. I think we need it. I don’t think there’s much of that in Madison,” Lahti said.
Song Hee Gritman (left) and Laura Lahti review notes for the next Amasian event on October 29th. (Tim Elliott)
The group has grown to over 500 members over the past two years, and their message is simple: “Everyone is welcome.”
“Come to our events, you’ve got nothing to lose just by opening the doors, walking in and checking it out, and I guarantee you’ll want to stay,” Gritman said.
The next event Amassian has planned is Tuesday, Oct. 29, in McFarland. It’s called “Ghostly Gathering for Goodness,” and it’s a fundraiser for the refugee community. Tickets are $20.
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