HMONG DIASPORA CELEBRATION 2025
Interested in Being a Diaspora Sponsor?
All sponsors will be recognized (according to levels) at the dinner event and be listed on THI’s website (partner page) until June 31st of the following year. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of something truly special!
Why are we honoring the past, embracing our present and building a brighter future for all?
Wisconsin is proud to be home to the 3rd largest Hmong population in America. The Hmong community is thriving and growing in 8-10 counties across the state. In 2025, we will commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Hmong diaspora.
The Hmong Institute is organizing a series of events to bring the community together for learning, reflection, healing, and celebration of the Hmong diaspora experiences. Many Hmong veterans, parents, and community leaders who fought in the Secret War during the Vietnam War have never had the opportunity to properly grieve their losses or celebrate their milestones and resilience.
This year, The Hmong Institute will host various events to honor our Hmong pioneer musicians, while also educating and inspiring youth and the community about the significance of Hmong music in our society. It is crucial that we provide a safe space for the community to reflect and continue the healing journey, strengthening our collective spirit.
We invite you to join us at the upcoming events as we come together to reflect, heal, and celebrate. Together, we can honor our past, embrace our present, and build a brighter future for the Hmong community in Wisconsin.
What are we doing to celebrate 50 years of Hmong Diaspora?
Hmong Tapestry Exhibit
Overture Center – March 18 – June 1, 2025
In collaboration with the Overture Center, we are proud to present the Hmong Tapestry Exhibit, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Hmong community. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the Hmong refugee experience at Ban Vinai through intricate story cloths, and engage in meaningful discussions with Hmong artists during the special reception on May 9 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Our mission is to foster community healing and understanding through the power of art and storytelling. The Hmong Tapestry Exhibit will run from March 18 to June 1, 2025. This event will provide the public with the chance to meet the talented Hmong artists behind the tapestries, and gain insight into their personal journeys of creating these beautiful works of art in Ban Vinai, Thailand.
Join us in celebrating the resilience and creativity of the Hmong community, and be inspired by the stories woven into each tapestry. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with a vibrant culture and support community healing through art.
Hmong Music Workshop Series
Statewide location – TDB
Thanks to a generous grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, a series of Hmong music workshops will be led by a talented Hmong musician from Colorado. These workshops are open to anyone interested in learning about Hmong music, its significance in Hmong society, and the traditional Hmong instrument known as “Xim Xaus or Nkauj Laug Ncas.” The workshops will take place in Eau Claire, Fox Cities, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan. We are excited to welcome Mr. Thao from Denver, Colorado, who will be leading these workshops in the last week of May.
Our goal is to introduce Wisconsinites to the beauty of Hmong music and to inspire individuals to delve deeper into this rich cultural tradition. This initiative is part of the Hmong preservation efforts at The Hmong Institute. Stay tuned for the exact dates and locations by visiting our Hmong diaspora page. Mr. Thao will also be a special guest at the Hmong Diaspora Banquet on May 31 at Monona Terrace in Madison.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Hmong music and culture. Join us in celebrating and preserving this important aspect of Hmong heritage.
50th Anniversary
Hmong Diaspora Banquet
Saturday, May 31, 2025
4:30pm to 10:00pm
Monona Terrace (1 John Nolen Drive, Madison)
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 4:30pm to 10:00pm | Monona Terrace (1 John Nolen Drive, Madison)
In America, the vibrant world of Hmong contemporary music is flourishing as our American Hmong youth are being introduced to the only Hmong music they know – modern Hmong music. As the trailblazing pioneers of modern Hmong music are getting older, it is crucial to bring them together to share their invaluable experiences in shaping Hmong modern music in the 1960s.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Hmong Diaspora Banquet, where we will not only have the opportunity to learn about these legendary Hmong musicians and listen to their timeless songs, but also to honor them for their pivotal roles in creating modern Hmong music for future generations. A delectable Hmong meal will be served for dinner. Guests will have the chance to bid on exciting silent auction items, all in support of The Hmong Institute’s important work. For fans of the legendary Hmong singers, you will not only dance to classic Hmong songs from 1960’s to mid-1980’s but meet the artists during our VIP reception.
Join us for a night at the Hmong Diaspora Banquet filled with music, culture, and celebration as we come together to pay tribute to the incredible individuals who have shaped the modern Hmong music scene! Guests will have the chance to bid on exciting silent auction items, all in support of The Hmong Institute’s important work.The deadline to register is May 15.
Interested in Being a Diaspora Sponsor?
All sponsors will be recognized (according to levels) at the dinner event and be listed on THI’s website (partner page) until June 31st of the following year. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to be a part of something truly special!
Questions or Need More Information?
For more information about all Hmong diaspora events or have a question, please send an email to: maizong.vue@theHmongInstitute.org or call Mai Zong at 608-695-4041.