Post by Cha Y.

I should’ve known this. Why didn’t I know it? I now, know. And because I didn’t know before, I want to share and bring awareness to it so that more people will know. For those who live in Wisconsin, since 2004, the Governor has proclaimed April as Hmong Heritage Month to embrace the power of diversity and honor the contributions of individual Hmong and communities across the state, nation, and the world. I did not know about this proclamation and I am Hmong. You might wonder why the special proclamation? Here is a short background: Hmong are the largest Asian American population in Wisconsin making up 1% of the states total population. The first Hmong family came to Wisconsin in April of 1976 from Laos after their country was lost to the Communists. And their people were hunted down for their role fighting against the North Vietnamese Communist in support of the United States’ Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War. Over 30,000 Hmong (soldiers and civilians) were estimated to have been killed during this time. Today, there are over 300,000 Hmong across the US, they serve the communities where they live as teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers, school board members, city council member, judges, professors, entrepreneurs, and members of the community workforce. If you didn’t know before, now you do. #diversity #community #hmong #awareness #hmongheritagemonth #chayang