By Terrie Anderson
Northside News
Wonder why so many Hmong people live in Madison? The answer is entwined with United States foreign policy in ways that may surprise you. That story is being honored with a statewide observance of the 45-Year Anniversary Wisconsin Hmong Diaspora Celebration organized by our Hmong neighbors with speakers and programing on Hmong heritage and resettlement experiences.
In 1960, President Kennedy authorized recruitment of ethnic minorities in Laos to fight against communism in what we now call The Secret War. Nearly 20,000 Hmong troops joined the CIA-sponsored operation at that time. By the time of the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, 50,000 were casualties of the war. The Secret War has the dubious distinction of being the largest covert CIA operation.
Two years after the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam, Laos fell to communist rule. As U.S. allies, Hmong were considered enemies and targeted for persecution. More than 200,000 Hmong became refuges, escaping across the Mekong River to poorly equipped camps in Thailand. Eventually, due to their support of the U.S. regime, 90% of the Hmong refugees were resettled here.
Northsider Mai Zong Vue, board president of the Hmong Institute, said, “The Northside is home to a sizeable Hmong population, especially Kennedy Heights and Northport Apartments. There are various reasons why Hmong are calling Wisconsin and the Northside home: family values of staying close to one another, affordable housing, educational and workforce opportunities, and cultural and social support systems.”
On May 2, UW’s Dr. Yang Sao Xiong will present “Education is the Key to Success: Hmong Pioneers, Community Mobilizing and Economic Contributions” at 10 am at Madison College South Campus. Also on tap that day are a slide show, luncheon, cultural performances, workshops and more. Check thehmonginstitute.org for an updated schedule of events. This event is free and everyone is invited. It’s a great opportunity to learn, reflect and share the experiences of Hmong diaspora over the last 45 years.
May 14 has been designated Hmong Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol with events for Hmong students from throughout the state. A ticketed banquet will wrap up the two-month series at the Monona Terrace May 15. Tickets and information are at the above website.