During this week of commemoration, we honor the resilience of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) refugee communities who made perilous journeys 50 years ago and were forced to rebuild their lives in the United States after war, genocide, and persecution in their home countries.
Join us each day this week to take a moment to pay homage to our diverse SEAA communities.
Today, SEARAC honors the 50th commemoration of Hmong American refugee resettlement and the incredible legacy the Hmong community has built over five decades.
After risking their lives as allies to the United States during the Secret War in Laos, the Hmong people faced grave threats of violence and political persecution. To survive, they escaped their devastated homelands, endured challenging conditions in refugee camps, and started new lives in the United States, forever shaping the landscape of America in the process.
In cities and towns across Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, and beyond, Hmong Americans have created vibrant enclaves where their cultures, traditions, and ceremonies are alive and thriving. Today, the Hmong American community stands more than 320,000 strong.*
As we mark this 50-year milestone, we reflect on a history shaped by loss, resilience, and hard-won progress. The Hmong community continues to navigate the challenges of displacement and systemic barriers, even as it builds power across generations. SEARAC remains committed to amplifying Hmong voices and ensuring that their contributions continue to be recognized and valued.
*Source: AAPI Data Community Data Explorer
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SEARAC’s most-read blog post comes from our National Deputy Director Kham S. Moua in a piece titled “Hope Drives Resistance: Southeast Asians Are the Proof.”
“In moments like these, unity is our greatest strength. We must organize, mobilize, and push back against policies designed to harm us. That means fighting for unified families, demanding better access to healthcare and economic opportunities, and holding every level of government accountable to our voices. We cannot afford to be passive observers — we must be active participants in shaping our future. Our history has shown us that when we come together and utilize our collective skill sets, we are powerful beyond reason. We have fought before, and we will fight again.”
Read Kham’s full blog post here.