Tulsa’s Asian Population Grows 50 Percent In 10 Years

Tulsa's Asian population has grown more than 50% in the last 10 years.

The city's new Asian Affairs Commission just launched to keep up with the community's needs.

There are many Asian-owned restaurants along 21st Street near Garnett in the growing Global District.

This week is especially exciting for them as the Asian Community gets ready for Lunar New Year.

The bright colors, traditional foods, and flowers around Tulsa all mark the Lunar New Year.

Quan Do, whose family owns Nam Hai International Market and Pho Nhi Vietnamese Noodle House, said it is the busiest season.

"People come to us. They ask to get the food that they need,” said Do.

Tulsa's Asian population has grown 56 percent in the last 10 years.

U.S. Census reports show the city's Asian population grew from 10,856 in 2010 to 17,005 in 2020.

Tam Bao Buddhist Temple and its 49 ft. tall statue attract hundreds of visitors.

St. Joseph Vietnamese Catholic Church has a new building for its 1,000 members.

Rev. Dovan Nguyen moved to Tulsa in 1975 and was one of the first Vietnamese people here.

“We also give thanks and praise to God for this country because we enjoy freedom,” said Rev. Nguyen.

The city says 26 Asian countries are represented at its naturalization ceremonies, with many of them Burmese, Indian, Vietnamese and Hmong.

Nem Lun, the city's immigrant and refugee affairs manager said Tulsa's new Asian Affairs Commission just had its second meeting.

Lun said the commission's goal is to create opportunities and encourage engagement in city government.

"We have a lot of open opportunities for Asian people, and then we have a lot of immigrant- and refugee-friendly employers,” said Lun,

The Tulsa Asian Affairs Commission is still looking for members. For more information, go here.

Here are some Lunar New Year activities around Tulsa:

Lunar New Year Family Night: Feb. 7 at 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Martin Regional Library

Lunar New Year Eve Celebration: Feb. 9 at 10:30 pm at Tam Bao Buddhist Temple