H - PROJECT INFO Due to the Hmong involvement with the US Secret War in Laos, conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), during the Vietnam War conflict, more than 300,000 of our people have been secretly murdered, hunted and attacked in the jungles of Laos to the present day. We invite you to participate in The H Project to help us raise awareness of the suffering and genocide of our Hmong people, the Americans' closest ally during the Vietnam War, who are trapped behind enemy lines in Laos. The H Project goals are to: 1) give artists an opportunity to use art as a vehicle for social change; 2) raise awareness of the situation in Laos and encourage action; 3) promote unity within the Hmong community; 4) fundraise for Hmoob Hlub Hmoob (H3), a local group of activists working to provide humanitarian aid for the Hmong in Laos. The H Project is a compilation CD and concert sponsored by Audio Refugee Camp, Hmong Today Newspaper, Innovative Community Elevation (ICE) and the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) that will be held in the summer of 2005 at the Western Sculpture Park in Saint Paul, MN. About the sponsors: Audio Refugee Camp is an annual outdoor concert of Hmong musicians, bands and performing artists. Hmong Today Newspaper is a local paper reporting news and opinions to and from the community. ICE is a group of artists and activists that holds monthly open mic events for local Hmong artists. CHAT is a nonprofit organization with the mission to nurture and develop Hmong artists to enhance the community. To participate in The H Project, we ask that artists: fill out the attached application form go through an educational workshop about the situation in Laos before submitting song(s) ? Please pick a date: Feb. 19 at 1pm; Feb. 26 at 1pm ? RSVP with Kathy at 651-644-6969 or via email the_hproject@yahoo.com ? Informational packets will be sent to artists living outside of MN submit up to 2 original songs (5 min. max in .wav or mp3 format) that are inspired by the situation in Laos In return, artists will receive: full credit and recognition for contributing to the efforts of The H Project an opportunity to perform in the Audio Refugee Camp 2005 concert at CHAT's 4th Annual Art Festival name and/or logo recognition on all promotional materials for The H Project provided by sponsors (festival and concert program, link on sponsor websites www.aboutchat.org and www.hmongtoday.com, Hmong Today articles, etc.) table at festival for distribution of your own promotional materials During the Vietnam War, the United States and the CIA recuited our people, the Hmong people, in Laos to help save downed U.S. paratroopers and also to disturb activities along the Ho Chi Minh trail. This was better known as the Secret War. After the United Stated realized that they were not going to win the war against communism, they withdrew from Southeast Asia. After the withdrawal, our Hmong people fled in fear of thier safetly for helping the U.S. Most fled to neighboring countries on refugee status to be relocted to a democratic country. BUT... some fled to the mountains and jungles of Laos. For the past 30 years, they have been hunted down, tortured, raped and murdered by the Lao military. They are being killed everyday and are starving because all possible resources for food have been used up. This has been a secret from the public for too long. It's time for the voices of sorrow be heard. Our people need us now more than ever. H Project CD is a nationwide compiliation raising awareness about this situation. After months and months of hard work, the CD is in it's final stages and planning to release in early July. H Project members will be walking around the soccer tournament selling CD's so hopefully you will pick one up and support. - Reserve now! The first 250 people get a bonus CD with more songs by more artists! Email the H Project team for reservations, questions, and further information: hproject@icelevation.org
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