Calendar of Events
Communities across the country will be hosting events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States.
Take part in honoring SEA stories and find events near you hosted by SEARAC or our partners.
Are you hosting an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary? Submit them here: bit.ly/SEAA50events
Proleung Khmer: A 50-Year Journey of Remembrance and Resilience
This spring, the Khmer community and supporters across New England will come together for “Proleung Khmer (Khmer Soul): A 50-year Journey of Remembrance and Resilience,” a series of events commemorating the lives lost during the Khmer Genocidal Regime of Pol Pot, supporting survivors, and celebrating the contributions of Khmer Americans. Learn more about the events here.
Threads of Passage: From Vietnam to America
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War this year, artist Linh My Truong presents Threads of Passage: From Vietnam to America, an interactive art exhibition exploring the Vietnamese American refugee experience and its enduring legacy across generations. Through textile, video, and interactive technology, the exhibition invites viewers to engage with stories of escape, survival, and the ongoing navigation of diasporic and multicultural identity.
The show features artist Linh My Truong’s own family story alongside submissions from Vietnamese Americans across the country. These stories unfold through touch-activated works that mirror the fragmented, emotional nature of memory—inviting deep reflection and participation.
Experience the exhibition from April 26 – May 18, 2025 at the Annex Gallery at 333 Midland St, Highland Park, MI 48203.
Southeast Asian American Journeys Docuseries Premiere
Join SEARAC and the Center for Asian American Media to attend the world premiere of Southeast Asian American Journeys, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the US wars in Southeast Asia by exploring the stories of five SEAA communities across the United States.
Tickets and info can be found at CAAMFest.com
Minnesota Historical Society Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage
Bring friends and family from all ages to participate in activities, watch cultural performances and learn about the history of 50 years of Hmong Americans in Minnesota. There will be food and a history exhibit.
Complimentary food tickets are offered at registration. Food is first-come, first-serve.
3rd Annual API Women's Ball
HAWA is hosting their 3rd Annual API Women's Ball to celebrate the 50th anniversary of SEA folks but also bringing community together to celebrate and build for the next 50. Learn more info and purchase tickets here.
Colors of Southeast Asia Fest
Celebrate the 50th immigration anniversary at a cultural festival in Brooklyn Park featuring performances, food, storytelling and art that honor the contributions of Southeast Asians.
The theme of the event is “WOVEN,” and highlights the stories, traditions and relationships that interconnect Southeast Asian communities.
Hmong LGBTQ+ and advocates timeline
Transforming Generations, a nonprofit serving Southeast Asians facing gender-based violence, is creating a timeline of Hmong leaders that will be presented at Pride Fest 2025 and Transforming Generation’s annual banquet in October.
The timeline will feature queer and transgender Hmong leaders who promoted justice against gender-based violence, said Xay Yang, the nonprofit’s executive director. The October banquet is titled “Healing our Soul,” and is focused on honoring Hmong victims killed because of domestic violence or sexual assault.
Verdant Remedies: Unearthing Hmong Art and Nature
Several Hmong artists will present their artwork at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, exploring cultural practices, plants, food and identity through the lens of nature’s healing power.
The Aug. 9 opening ceremony at the arboretum’s Hmong Botanical Garden will feature a Hmong song poetry performance. Attendees will also have the chance to harvest herbs from the garden to use in an art installation displayed for the day.
Cambodian Heritage Day
The second-ever Cambodian Heritage Day in Minnesota is being held this year by the Cambodian American Partnership of Minnesota, a nonprofit that launched last June. The event will feature Cambodian dance performances, music and food.
Hmong American Day "50 years of Freedom"
Remembering the past, celebrating the present, cultivating the future, an event hosted by The Fresno Center and Fresno State.
50th Annual Black April Commemoration
Hosted by Vietnamese American Roundtable. Find more info here.
Cambodian Heritage Month Proclamation
For over 45 years, our Cambodian community has not been recognized by the City with the "Cambodian Heritage Month" proclamation. The city of Santa Ana has been home to our Cambodian refugees since we left our country back in the 1970s. With the support from Santa Ana City Councilwoman Jessie Lopez., the city of Santa Ana will declare April as "Cambodian Heritage Month".
50 Years Later: Reflections on the War in Southeast Asia & the Path Forward
Join MekongNYC for “50 Years Later: Reflections on the War in Southeast Asia and the Path Forward” from April 28 - May 2, 2025 as we mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of the War in Southeast Asia.
During this week of commemoration, we will honor the history, resilience, and path forward for Southeast Asian communities in the Bronx and throughout the U.S. Through a series of events including a community spiritual ceremony, exhibitions of intergenerational arts projects, videos featuring the stories of our community members, and social media advocacy actions, we will uplift the stories of refugee resettlement and reflect on the struggle and resilience of our community — as we continue to fight for a more just and liberated future for all communities everywhere.
Still We Rise: 50 Years After the Vietnam War
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, DVAN is hosting a landmark event in San Francisco on April 26, 2025. Join DVAN for an unforgettable evening of reflections, poetry and music performances by renowned artists of the Vietnamese diaspora.
Learn more here.
Remembering Black April: 50 Years of Vietnamese Diaspora
Led by the 1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Commemoration Initiative, in collaboration with partners like Boston Little Saigon, Vietnamese American Community of Massachusetts, VietAID, Cultural Empowerment Organization, and the Massachusetts Vietnamese Scouts Association, this community-rooted series of events uplifts the voices of those most impacted by war, displacement, and survival.
“Remembering Black April: 50 Years of Vietnamese Diaspora” will take place across multiple days, with flagship events including:
April 26th – A large-scale community gathering at Boston College High School, featuring cultural performances, an immersive exhibition, keynote reflections, and storytelling across generations.
April 27th – Film Screening and Bilingual Panel: On Healing Land, Birds Perch in collaboration with the JFK Presidential Library & Museum.
April 30th – Flag-raising ceremonies on April 30th at Boston City Hall Plaza and the Dorchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial, offering public recognition of our journey and presence.
Remembering Black April: 50 Years of Vietnamese Diaspora
In Boston, where the largest Vietnamese community in New England calls Dorchester home, a coalition of Vietnamese-led organizations is coming together for a transformative, intergenerational commemoration. Led by the 1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Commemoration Initiative, in collaboration with partners like Boston Little Saigon, Vietnamese American Community of Massachusetts, VietAID, Cultural Empowerment Organization, and the Massachusetts Vietnamese Scouts Association, this community-rooted series of events uplifts the voices of those most impacted by war, displacement, and survival.
“Remembering Black April: 50 Years of Vietnamese Diaspora” will take place across multiple days, with flagship events including:
April 26th – A large-scale community gathering at Boston College High School, featuring cultural performances, an immersive exhibition, keynote reflections, and storytelling across generations.
April 27th – Film Screening and Bilingual Panel: On Healing Land, Birds Perch in collaboration with the JFK Presidential Library & Museum.
April 30th – Flag-raising ceremonies on April 30th at Boston City Hall Plaza and the Dorchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial, offering public recognition of our journey and presence
Commemorating 50 Years of Black April: Honoring Our Shared History and Sacrifice
The Vietnamese Community of Minnesota organization is hosting an event at the state Capitol honoring the legacy and sacrifices of Southeast Asian veterans who fought in the Vietnam War. Attendees can take part in a prayer ceremony and see a monument dedicated to veterans. The event will also feature cultural performances and youth telling stories about their experience as Vietnamese Americans.
Visit https://vietnam-minnesota.org/event/commemorating-50-years-of-black-april/
Commemorating 50 Years of Black April: Honoring Our Shared History and Sacrifice
The Vietnamese Community of Minnesota organization is hosting an event at the state Capitol honoring the legacy and sacrifices of Southeast Asian veterans who fought in the Vietnam War. Attendees can take part in a prayer ceremony and see a monument dedicated to veterans. The event will also feature cultural performances and youth telling stories about their experience as Vietnamese Americans.
Visit https://vietnam-minnesota.org/event/commemorating-50-years-of-black-april/
Taking Roots Fundraiser & Screening
Join MN8 for a day full of reclamation, community empowerment, and healing through Southeast Asian storytelling . Together, they’ll be showing the first two episodes of the new docuseries, Taking Root, hearing from a panel of community advocates and impacted individuals, and sharing resources to keep each other safe. As we navigate the extremely anti-immigrant political landscape and resist the racist systems at play, our antidote is building community and people power. 🗓 Get your ticket at minnesota8.org/taking-root
HND Conference 2025: We Rise, United
Hmong National Development Conference (HNDC) is a premier gathering event for Hmong American leaders, the community, and its partners to celebrate and showcase our collective achievements and the opportunities that face our communities. HNDC challenges and inspires Hmong Americans – young and aging – to boldly invest in their own potential and that of others.
2025 will bring together over 1,500 professionals, students, community leaders, thought leaders, allies and partners, to share insights, inspire action, and explore innovative strategies to elevate and propel the Hmong community. In celebration of our 20th Conference and Hmong Americans’ 50th year in the United States, We Rise, United was chosen to reflect our shared journey and collective strengths. The theme evokes inspiration, new opportunities and growth, and the potential of the Hmong community in the next 50 years. The theme honors the community’s legacy of resilience and innovation, while celebrating the courage to embrace new beginnings. When We Rise, United we foster a future where everyone rises together!
Register here.
46th Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration
Hosted by the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, the 46th Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration 2025 brings together the Southeast Asian American, immigrant, and former refugee community members, local community and city agencies, and city officials in celebration of the Cambodian New Year and CAGP's accomplishments. This is the largest Asian American charitable gala in the tri-state area bringing together 500 guests for an evening of cultural performances, awards, live music and dancing, and more. All proceeds from the event supports CAGP's programs and services that directly impacts the Cambodian, Southeast Asian, immigrant, and former refugee children and families we serve across greater Philadelphia.
To purchase tickets, contact Kayla at 267-596-5804 or Sarun at 216-791-0107.
Remembering Saigon: Journeys through and from Guam Symposium
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. To commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought during the war on behalf of both the United States and South Vietnam, as well as the narratives of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees who fled the war’s aftermath, the UC Irvine Southeast Asian Archive, in collaboration with the UCLA Asian American Studies Department, has put together a public history exhibit at the Orange County & Southeast Asian Archive Center entitled “Remembering Saigon: Journeys through and from Guam.” This exhibit highlights how the stories of Vietnamese refugees, CHamorus, and non-native Guamanians became intertwined during the Vietnam War period and its aftermath.