A rainbow cascades across the sky above an airstrip at the Tham Bleung Hmong refugee site. Photographed in October 1969 by Frederic Benson.

Several weeks ago, Volume One announced the forthcoming release of our documentary, “A Half Century Home: 50 Years Of Hmong Resettlement In Eau Claire.” We weren’t sure what to expect as far as public reaction – of all that we have done over the years, a 40-minute documentary isn’t one of them.

The announcement was met with immediate interest, excitement and RSVPs flooding in for the in-person premiere slated for April 16 at the Pablo Center. We had to move the premiere to the larger RCU Theater because of it. 

Over a year ago, our publisher, Nick, asked us to think about what the magazine could to
to recognize the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement. I can now admit, we did not fully understand what that – "Hmong resettlement" – meant at the time. I don’t think most people do.

I’m not pointing that out to shame anyone. I didn't know even half of what I have come to learn about our Hmong neighbors, until we began this project. I didn’t learn about it in school, growing up here in Eau Claire, and I didn’t seek it out personally then either. I should have.

The truth is, not every story can be told in this way, on the page or the screen. Maybe they can't be. Maybe we have to hear these stories the way humans were always meant to – by talking to each other, connecting, face to face.

So, what you now hold in your hands (or will read online) is the culmination of months of research, hours-long interviews, long nights and lots of coffee, tears and laughter. It’s the result of strangers letting me ask personal questions, sometimes clumsily, and sharing pieces of their lives in the hope this project creates positive ripples across our community.

Our 40-minute documentary and multi-page feature story can stand on their own individually, but they were created as complementary pieces. Together, they present a more full picture. Our intention is to spark conversation between you and your friends, coworkers, neighbors – and our wider community.

There are so many stories that informed the creation of the feature you’ll find on p. 32 and in the film that debuts April 16, yet only portions of them will be explicitly shared.

The first spread of the feature story, available in our latest print issue, out now (April 16) across the Chippewa Valley.

The truth is, not every story can be told in this way, on the page or the screen. Maybe they can’t be. Maybe we have to hear these stories the way humans were always meant to – by talking to each other, connecting, face to face.

Having honest conversations, asking questions even when you don’t know the “right way” to ask them. Being vulnerable even though it can be uncomfortable. Knowing that you already have common ground with the neighbor you don’t know yet; the Chippewa Valley is all of our common ground.

My life has been changed simply by getting to know my neighbors. I encourage you to get to know yours, too.