Day 68: Hmong Institute, Madison, Wisconsin
📌APIA Every Day (68) - The Hmong Institute, established in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2018 by founders Mai Zong and Peng Her, is dedicated to Hmong cultural heritage education, preservation, and behavioral health services. The Hmong immigrated to Wisconsin as refugees in the 1970s and 1980s after the Vietnam War, initially seeking refuge in Thailand. The United States recruited Hmong to assist in the Vietnam War, and when the U.S. withdrew in 1975, many Hmong sought refuge in the United States through resettlement organizations, landing in states such as California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In 2005, Wisconsin had the third-largest Hmong population in the U.S., with significant communities in La Crosse, Sheboygan, Green Bay, Wausau, Appleton, Madison, and Milwaukee. Moving to the Midwest, the Hmong community has faced adversity from nearby communities but has overcome challenges by creating a close-knit ethnic community.
Mai Zong and Peng Her, both of Hmong descent, were born during the Vietnam War and resettled in the U.S. as refugees. Despite challenging backgrounds, they have become prominent community figures. Mai Zong, with 35 years of experience, is a community organizer and advocate for Hmong education, while Peng Her co-founded the Wisconsin Hmong Chamber of Commerce and The Hmong Institute, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and community development.
Since 2018, The Hmong Institute has been dedicated to advancing the Hmong community in Wisconsin, working towards creating a space for this ethnic enclave within the state. The institute aims to nurture the Hmong community through various initiatives, drawing inspiration from the history of Hmong migration to the U.S. and the sacrifices made by Hmong refugees. Additionally, they are actively cultivating the culture for future Hmong generations.
LEARN MORE:
The Hmong Institute: Our History
Wisconsin Historical Society: Hmong in Wisconsin
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