APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Each May celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, coinciding with the 50-year milestone since Hmong refugees first began settling in the U.S.
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center kicked off the festivities with an early celebration of Hmong culture on Thursday night.
The event received support from various Hmong groups, among them being the newly established Hmong American Immersion School (HAIS), set to open this Autumn.
Dr. Thai Xiong, who serves as the Impact Director at HAIS, mentioned that this organization operates a charter school in Appleton with the aim of incorporating the study of Hmong language and history into the fundamental educational program. According to Dr. Xiong, Hmong culture has significantly influenced the local community throughout the last five decades, which can be clearly seen through the establishment of HAIS.
Culturally speaking, at that time, very limited information existed,” Dr. Xiong stated. “Today, we are witnessing the establishment of our region’s inaugural Hmong charter school in northeastern Wisconsin, five decades since the arrival of the Hmong community in the U.S.
The Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Community Event began at 5 p.m., offering various opportunities to celebrate and honor the culture and history with performances, music, cuisine, and narratives.
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