All posts tagged: Legacies of War

December 5th: Legacies of War and friends hosts “Laos in NYC” event

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If you’re in the New York City area, don’t miss what is quite arguably the Lao’dest international affair in the city on Saturday, December 5th. With the majority of attendees from the Lao American community, over 200 people are expected to show up in fashion at Legacies of War’s “Laos in NYC: Fashion Meets Philanthropy”, the most anticipated fundraising and UXO awareness event of the year at NYC’s Civic Hall. Hailing strong collaboration with some Lao American heavy-hitters such as delicious eats from Chef Phet of the acclaimed Khe-Yo to the creative eyes of Monica Phromsavanh of ModaBox. There’ll be old and new friends of Legacies, coming from all sectors, from over 10 states, and Canada and Laos. We chat with Channapha Khamvongsa, Legacies of War’s Executive Director and organizers about the significance of the event as the Lao community’s 40th commences. On the idea of fashion, food and philanthropy: We’ve all admired and respected each others’ work over the years and it was finally just the right time to collaborate. And it’s been really fun and meaningful to work closely together. Some of us have this shared history and understanding as …

When the idea of a bomb-free Laos became possible: An interview with Channapha Khamvongsa

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Unexploded ordnance (UXO) are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were dropped and still pose a risk of detonation, many decades after they were used or discarded. About one third of Laos remains contaminated with UXO left behind from a Secret War bombing campaign  during the Vietnam War era, including about 80 million cluster munitions. The majority of victims are children, who mistaken them for toy balls. It started with hand drawings from survivors. Black bombies littering the sky. Red markings everywhere. Farmers running across the green fields. These drawings would be the start of what would lead to learning about a lost history and one woman’s passion to advocate what many thought would be the impossible: a bomb-free Laos. “Can you imagine? Being the person below, looking up and watching the sky fall over you?” -Channapha Khamvongsa, Executive Director of Legacies of War She fights against UXOs. She hearts food more than you and me. And she is an ally for Laos. You know this Lao woman. “Who isn’t her friend? She’s everybody’s best …