Hmong residents are more than refugees. They are Wisconsinites. They are teachers, police officers, nurses, farmers, university faculty.

That was the message delivered at the Hmong Institute earlier this week in a news conference to announce a slate of events to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Hmong Diaspora. The diaspora — dispersion of people outside their native country — is the result of thousands of Hmong people fleeing genocide following the Vietnam War, which is still fresh in the minds of elders who lived through it.

From March until May, a speaker series will tour the state, dedicated to discussing the Hmong journey to the United States and the impact it has had both on the Hmong community as well as Wisconsin as a whole.

Menasha Public Library, March 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Keynote speech from former Minnesota state Sen. Mee Moua on what it was like to be a Hmong refugee.

La Crosse Hmong Community Center, April 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Keynote speech from WHEDA Deputy Director May yer Thao.

Marathon County Historical Society in Wausau, April 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Keynote speech by MaiGer Moua, adjunct professor at UW-Stevens Point, about celebrating race relations.

UW-Milwaukee Student Union, April 25, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: A military veteran panel discussion moderated by Chia Youyee Vang about Hmong soldiers allying with the U.S.

Madison College, Goodman South Campus, May 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Keynote speech by Yang Sao Xiong, assistant professor at UW-Madison, about education.

On May 15 there will be a final celebration banquet at Madison’s Monona Terrace from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. featuring Judge Kristy Yang and including reflections on all of the diaspora stories that have been told.

For further information click HERE.