St. Paul, MN – Nearly 300 community members gathered at Concordia University’s Buenger Education Center on Wednesday, June 25, for the kickoff of the Hmong-American 50th Years of Progress Speaking Series, hosted by the Hmong Committee of 100 and presented by Lake Country Community Bank and Rochon Corporation. Despite the rain, the turnout was a testament to the community’s deep commitment to honoring its history and building a shared future.
The inaugural panel, titled “The Fall of Long Tieng”, brought together four powerful voices—Gia Tou Lee, Chertoua Yang, Mai Tong Her, and Wahoua Vue—who shared personal stories of courage, survival, and escape during the Hmong exodus following the fall of Long Tieng on May 14, 1975. Their testimony offered a vivid glimpse into the emotional and physical trials endured by thousands during the height of political unrest in Laos.
Guests were welcomed with moving displays, including a traditional Hmong story cloth and a stirring backdrop of historic images that set the tone for the evening. A special highlight of the night included the presentation of a proclamation recognizing the significance of 50 years of Hmong-American progress.
“This was a phenomenal step in the right direction,” said Kou Yang, one of the organizers. “We’re not just reflecting on history—we’re passing the torch of resilience to future generations.”
The event also featured food, refreshments, and a strong sense of unity among attendees. Organizers emphasized the importance of continued improvement, noting that future sessions will aim to increase engagement through more audience Q&A, multimedia storytelling, and translations to include youth and non-Hmong-speaking guests better.
“This is just the beginning. Let’s keep building, honoring, and writing the next chapter—together,” added a volunteer. “We’re learning, adapting, and working hard to make sure every story is heard and remembered.”
The Speaking Series will continue throughout the year, leading up to the Hmong-American 50th Year of Progress Gala in November. The Speaking Series events are free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged due to limited seating.
Save the Dates for our next speaking series:
Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 5 PM – 7 PM at Concordia University’s Buenger Education Center, Saint Paul, MN Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5 PM – 7 PM at Concordia University’s Buenger Education Center, Saint Paul, MN
