St. Paul, MN – On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, the Hmong Committee of 100, in collaboration with the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University, hosted the second installment of its Speakers Series Panel: Exodus. Refugee. Resettlement. Titled “Life in the Refugee Camps,” the event welcomed close to 250 attendees—including students, teenagers, veterans, elected officials, community leaders, and members of the broader Hmong community—for an emotional and thought-provoking evening.
Held at the Buenger Education Center, the panel featured speakers Wayne Saykaothao, Vang Xiong, Pia Lee, and Kenny Vang, who shared heartfelt accounts of life in the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp and the long, difficult path to resettlement in the United States. Moderated by Lee Pao Xiong, the conversation opened space for personal narratives that have long remained unspoken.
The night was marked by honesty, vulnerability, and community connection. One audience member remarked:
“Thank you for having me and making me feel welcome! As an immigrant myself, I was inspired by the stories. You are a Hmong story, but also an American story—now part of the fabric that makes this country great.”
From a four-page poem to cultural performances and emotional testimonies, the program overflowed with passion and pride. Though it ran slightly over time, the content reflected the depth of emotion and history that exists within the Hmong community.
As one community leader reflected,
“After 50 years, our people have so much to say and so much to release. When given the opportunity, emotions come flooding out—and that’s the healing we hope for.”
Among the nearly 250 attendees were 40 registered college students, a similar number of teenagers, and approximately 30 Hmong veterans, reinforcing the intergenerational significance of the evening.
The Hmong Committee of 100 extends sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers, speakers, and community members who made the evening possible. Their contributions ensured not only a successful program, but a meaningful step forward in honoring, preserving, and sharing the Hmong American journey.
“It was super quiet all around—people were deeply engaged. The food was excellent. I loved hearing the elders’ stories—so much needed narrative. Another exceptional panel session!”
The final session in the three-part series will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the same location, and will focus on “Life in the Refugee Resettlement Communities in the United States.” Events are free and open to the public.
To RSVP or learn more, visit www.hmongcommittee100.org/sp.
Media Contact:
Kou Yang
Event Chair, Hmong Committee of 100
Email: info@hmongcommittee100.org
Phone: 612-450-5914
Website: www.hmongcommittee100.org
