On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) had the honor of hosting an in-person event Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Vietnamese Boat People. The IIR welcomed five panelists who shared their own personal and family stories as well as their art and books. The panelists included Hanh Bui, Teacher, Author, and George Mason University Alum; Tori Huynh, Teacher, PROUD President of the Fairfax County Public Schools Asian Educators Association & Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship Foundation, and George Mason University Alum; Steven Luu, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Artist, and Current MFA student at George Mason University School of Art; Dr. Connie Park, Director of Make Us Visible Virginia and AAPI Education Director for the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia; and Len Tran, Chemical Engineer, Author, and Founder of Kinetic Mind, LLC.
Hanh not only shared her inspiring journey from an eight-year-old refugee fleeing Vietnam to becoming a dedicated teacher and celebrated author at the April event, but also recounted her remarkable story with Dr. Reid, the Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools.
Hanh's story can be found in the FCPS Superintendent's Weekly Reflections on the FCPS website, and in a video interview with Dr. Reid on YouTube.
May 19, 2025