refugee

These are Mien dancers performing at the 1982 Lao New Year Celebration for Lao Family Community Development. They are wearing the traditional dress of the Mien culture that features beautiful embroidery. Many Lao refugees first came to Oakland in the late 1970's and early 1980's. They were invited by the US government because they had fought on the side of the United States against Communists during the Viet Nam era. Many of these refugees were from very rural parts of their country and were farmers. Adjusting to life here in Oakland and Richmond was very difficult.