Central Valley California Arts Project (CVCAP) is excited to present “Hmong History – A Visual Journey and an Immersive Storytelling Experience” featuring the co-founders of the Hmongstory Legacy project. After two decades of dedicated work, Hmongstory Legacy has become a vital resource for understanding the diverse cultures and histories of the Central Valley. This session will offer a concentrated presentation providing essential geographical and historical context of the Hmong community through powerful photography, firsthand accounts, and innovative technology. Designed for educators at all levels, this lecture will provide resources and insights to enrich your curriculum and engage students with this important history. The session will also include a guided tour of the current exhibit at the Fresno State Main Library’s Ellipse Gallery, “1975 Southeast Asian 50 Year Legacy Exhibit,” which commemorates 50 years of resilience, heritage, and legacy within the Hmong and Lao communities.
Featured speakers: Hmongstory Legacy Co-founders Lar Yang & David Lee
- Date: September 17, 2025
- Registration Deadline: September 12, 2025
- Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM (PT)
- Location: Fresno State Library Leon S. Peters Ellipse Gallery, 2nd Floor North
- Cost: Free
Featured Speaker Bios
David Lee is a visual storyteller and Hmong history enthusiast who is also a cofounder of Hmongstory Legacy. Lee owns and operates a digital marketing agency, DASH Media LLC, out of Fresno, CA. David brings over 30+ years in various interdisciplinary skills in the creative art and technology field. His most recent work includes help in developing Vinai: The Hmong American Experience, engineering and managing the production of The Galen Beery Collection, co-directing and producing the short family documentary Planting Hope, and most recently establishing the Southeast Asian 1975 exhibit at Fresno State. David is passionate about preserving history and educating others about the Hmong.
Lar Yang is a veteran of the graphic design, advertising, communications, media and print industries with over 30 years of experience as a commercial artist, designer, creative director, exhibit curator, media / documentary director & producer and photographer. He is a passionate artist, Hmong history archivist, story keeper and storyteller. Lar is the founder of Yang Design, Txhawb Hmong Magazine, Hmongstory 40 Project and co-founder of The Hmongstory Legacy Project, Co-producer and Co-Director of ValleyPBS – The Hmong and the Secret War.
Sponsors
The California Arts Project
Fresno State | Kremen School of Education and Human Development
Fresno State | ASI