Hmong Cultural Symposium at Manitowoc Public Library will feature refugee stories of escaping war-torn Laos
MANITOWOC – The Hmong refugee story will be the focus of the Hmong Cultural Symposium at the Manitowoc Public Library.
The event, “A Hmong Cultural Symposium: An Exploration of Hmong-American Identity,” runs 5 to 7:45 p.m. May 30 in the Balkansky Community Room at the library, 707 Quay St. Four panelists will share their Hmong-American journeys during the event.
To escape the war-torn country of Laos, the Hmong people had to cross the Mekong River for the safety of the refugee camps in Thailand, and then, eventually, to the United States.
Upon arrival in the United States, new struggles unique to the Hmong refugees arose and each narrative shows the strength of the refugee spirit. These experiences are filled with sorrow, death and trauma; each story sharing the themes of struggle and loss. Yet, somehow, through it all, they survived, persevered and attained their version of the American Dream.
Panelists were chosen to share their stories of hardship and happiness as refugees of war because they exemplify what a true leader is in the community, the library said in a news release.
“They strive to make their communities a better place through their work, community service and lifestyle,” the release said.
“They are the ones who survived the war and are thriving in the United States,” the release continued. “Come experience this panel of Hmong-American refugees and experience their incredible stories, with a Q&A session to follow.”
Interspersed throughout the evening will be an array of talent showcasing the rich Hmong culture.
Great Loop authors: Manitowoc couple pens book about their experience boating America's Great Loop. They'll be at a local bookstore Saturday.
Also at the library this week ...
Here’s what else is happening at Manitowoc Public Library, 707 Quay St., this week. For more information, call 920-686-3010 or visit manitowoclibrary.org.
“Art as Poetry/Poetry as Art” exhibit — Runs through June 6 during all library hours. Sponsored by the Lakeshore Artists Guild, this “call-and-response” exhibit is a collaboration featuring 20 artists and 20 poets resulting in 40 poems and 40 artworks. Each artist submitted an original art work and each poet submitted an original poem. Participants selected the poem or art work that spoke to them, and then created new works inspired by their choices. Art work will be on display on the library’s first floor.
Library closed for Memorial Day holiday — May 27. The library will be closed May 27 for Memorial Day. Regular hours will resume at 9 a.m. May 28.
Storytime break — Through June 5. Manitowoc Public Library’s Youth Services will be taking a break from Baby Storytime & Preschool Storytime — as well as most other children’s programming during this time — to prepare for the Summer Reading Program. Baby Storytime & Preschool Storytime will return June 5.
DWD employment assistance and career counseling — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays in the Franklin Street Room. For in-person career counseling on Tuesdays, contact Ellen Hope at 920-930-6553 or ellen.hope@dwd.wisconsin.gov to make an appointment.
Space to Write — 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 28. Have a novel or short story you want to write? How about a screenplay or a memoir? Poetry? Graphic novels? Then you need — Space to Write! Every second and fourth Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Franklin Street Room will be open to writers of all descriptions, from professional to novice.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc Hmong Cultural Symposium will be at library May 30
