Hmong contributions highlighted at diversity forum

UW-Madison is highlighting the presence and contributions of Hmong Americans within the university and in the larger community.

The campus community is invited to learn more at the Eighth Annual Diversity and Climate Campus Forum to be held on Friday, Sept. 28 at Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St.

Titled “Diversity: Engagement, Resistance, Change,” the daylong event will feature a program of speakers, multicultural performances and discussion sessions, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the keynote speaker will be Nobel Prize nominated photo-journalist, activist, and author, Jane Hamilton-Merritt, who has extensively chronicled the experience of the Hmong people.

Her speech will be preceded by a cultural presentation of Hmong dance by Ntsia Plia of Madison. A Hmong translator will also be on hand.

A Hmong Cultural Exhibit, which Hmong American university staff and community members have generously supported, will be open all day in the Union’s Tripp Commons.  Historian Mai Na Lee will serve as docent, leading a guided tour of the exhibit starting at 1:30 p.m., and then again at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon.

The event is free, but registration is required in order to receive a free lunch. For additional information, contact Ruby Paredes at 262-5175, rparedes@bascom.wisc.edu or Paula Gates at 265–5228,  gates@bascom.wisc.edu.