Dane County Board Recognizes Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month and Celebrates 50 Years of the Hmong People, Culture, and Community

May 01, 2025
Dane County Board Office, (608) 266-5758
County Board

Madison – Tonight, the Dane County Board passed resolutions recognizing Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Heritage Month & celebrated 50 Years of the Hmong People, Culture, and Community in the United States, Wisconsin, and Dane County. Supervisors Chawla and Yang read the resolutions and community members spoke on the 50 Years of Hmong People, Culture, and Community. Links to the special resolutions are here: 2025 RES-007; 2025 RES-004.

 

May 2025 is designated Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions, achievements, and resilience of APIDA communities across our country and here in Dane County. We honor the rich cultural heritage, enduring perseverance, and impactful leadership of generations of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans, even in the face of discrimination and systemic barriers. Let this month serve as a call to action to remember our shared histories, uplift APIDA voices, and reaffirm our commitment to building inclusive, equitable communities where all residents are valued and supported.

 

“Asian Pacific Islander Desi American people represent a rich, diverse group of cultures. Like so many, they share a common history of immigrating to the U.S., often overcoming tremendous adversity, to embrace the American Dream for themselves and generations to follow,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. “In this time when the federal administration is dehumanizing immigrants, let APIDA Heritage Month be a reminder of how immigrants add to the rich American tapestry and strengthen our country.”

 

Echoing similar sentiments, Supervisor Chawla emphasized, “The APIDA community has a strong belief in the potential of America and has invested generations of work in achieving the American Dream and contributing to the fabric of our country. At this perilous time in our history, it is important to remember the reason we came to America and to provide the opportunities that we were given to all Americans, so we can work together to realize the full potential of our country.”

 

In addition to recognizing APIDA Heritage Month, the Board celebrated 50 years of the Hmong people, culture, and community in the United States, Wisconsin, and Dane County. This milestone honors the bravery, resilience, and contributions of the Hmong individuals who came to the U.S. as political refugees following the “Secret War,” also known as the Laotian Civil War, in Southeast Asia.

 

“Since their first arrival to our country and communities 50 years ago, the Hmong people, culture, and traditions have occupied an important place in communities across the U.S., Wisconsin, and Dane County,” said County Board Supervisor Brenda Yang. “The Hmong community continues to make significant contributions to Dane County’s culture, economy, education, and local communities.” This anniversary is a reminder of the endurance, strength, generosity, and leadership the Hmong people carry with them every day—and it reaffirms Dane County's commitment to uplifting and supporting the Hmong community now and into the future.

 

Dane County community leaders reflected on the contributions of Hmong and APIDA residents in education, health care, public service, and the arts. The Board recognized trailblazers, including Gao Nou Vang-Vue, the first Hmong-descended principal in the Madison Metropolitan School District; Doua Vang, founder of the Southeast Asian Healing Center; and Mai Zong and Cher Peng Her, founders of the Hmong Institute, among many others. The Board also honored those who have served as County Supervisors and officials, including former Supervisor Ashok Kumar and current Supervisors Brenda Yang, Yogesh Chawla, Chair Patrick Miles, and Clerk of Court Jeff Okazaki.

 

The full agenda from tonight's meeting is available here: https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=1250228&GUID=40B6D352-0B67-45F2-9025-9101C26EE156