Asian Awareness Month

Details:
For Immediate Release March 23, 2008 Contact: Kelsey Schleif Tel.: 608/358-5518 Email: kschleif@uwm.edu HMONG EVENTS PLANNED ON SECRET WAR Obtaining Hmong Human Rights MILWAUKEE- Hmong Student Association, Minority Media Association, and Asian Student Union at UW-Milwaukee, have organized events throughout Asian Awareness Month in April to engage the community in the Hmong´s transformation since the end of the Secret War. The Hmong have established productive communities in the U.S since the first set of Hmong refugees in 1975. The events in April embrace the positive prospects for Hmong individuals who have taken the opportunity to strive for goals, larger than what was anticipated. It is also an informative experience for those who are unaware of the Hmong´s presence in their communities and the hardships that this ethnic group faces. On April 5th (noon to 1:30 p.m. in Greene Hall) Seexeng Lee, a contemporary Hmong artist, will be showcasing his artwork to the public. He has painted award-winning portraits like "Time is Running Out" and has participated in many art exhibitions throughout parts of Minn. and Wis., including "Throwing Pebbles in the Pond." This art show will also feature three student artists. On April 11th (6 p.m. at the Union Fireside Lounge) Dick Campbell, chair of Hmong Freedom Council, and Lang Xiong, president of Shee Yee Community in Milwaukee, will be conversing about the vital issues that the Hmong community face, such as cultural/traditional retention and political/educational challenges. On April 16th (2 p.m.) there will be a forum featuring: Kor Xiong from Hmong Wisconsin Radio, Andrew Shaw, Milwaukee mayoral candidate, and more, about the Hmong coverage in the mainstream media. There will be discussions about the media coverage of the Vang Pao trial, Chai Vang´s incidental shooting, the Hmong genocide in Laos, and more. On April 26th (7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Union Wisconsin Room) HSA and ASU will present "Hmong Women: Our Journey," a collaborative effort from both organizations to specify the journey of the Hmong women. Both organizations have assembled an eye-opening and empowering documentary to advocate the untold truths of an oppressed ethnicity. "I hope that they [the community] will know the deeper aspects of the Hmong culture," said Noelle Estante, the ASU president. "We are touching on topics that we as a community never think or talk about." All events are free to the public and are located on the UWM campus. HAS, MMA, and ASU student organizations promote the cultural diversity and equality in the university and community with about 70 active members together. ### For questions or concerns, please contact Kelsey Schleif at kschleif@uwm.edu or 608/358-5518.