All posts filed under: Holidays

Every holiday

APAHM and The Erasure of Laotian America

By Vimala D. Phongsavanh, Organizing Director of Congressional Progressive Caucus Center When a crisis as enormous as a global pandemic emerges, it hits underrepresented and underserved communities like the Laotian American communities the hardest. We currently see the gaps in our country’s broken systems that weren’t built to serve those of us who need it the most.  Since our arrival as refugees to the country in the late 1970s, Laotian American communities have seen firsthand how this country can break your heart, but resilience in the face of tragedy has been built in us, and we continue forward. The pathway to becoming a Laotian American started with America’s Secret War in Laos, which resulted in Laos being the most heavily bombed country per capita in the history of the world. Many of us were forced to flee for our lives and were welcomed to the U.S. by failing refugee resettlement programs, which marshalled many of us into low wage jobs with no health insurance, sick leave, or other benefits. The next generation of Laotian Americans …

2019 Lao New Year festivities across America

Photo by Snap Pilots Sok di pi mai! One of the best times of the year is upon us. From gathering with friends and family to receiving blessings at the wat, let’s ring in the new year with good spirits. Below is a collection of Lao New Year events and festivities we could find — with some hopefully near you. It is by no means a complete list so if we missed any, please share! Arizona April 13-14 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Wat Lao Thammaram 9501 N. 16th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021 Arkansas April 27-29 Wat Lao Santitham 4625 Armour St., Fort Smith, AR 72904 May 3-5 Wat Lao Buddharam 3317 N 23rd St., Fort Smith, AR 72904 California April 6 (6 p.m. – 1 a.m.) LNY celebration at La Sierra Community Center 5325 Engle Rd., Carmichael, CA 95608 April 6 (7 p.m.-midnight) –  April 7 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) California Center for the Arts, Escondido 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025 April 13 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) Downtown Merced April 13 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) …