our Black April Information Packet

Black April Commemoration
Informational Packet
Compiled by SoCal UVSA
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this packet is to answer some essential questions about Black April to dispel some common
arguments against its recognition or commemoration among Vietnamese youth organizations, primarily
Vietnamese Student Associations, and primarily to offer a compilation of different activities VSAs have done
and can do to remember this date. Mention of the Vietnam War and similar topics continue to be taboo among
Vietnamese-Americans at the detriment of our community. By strengthening our community through our shared
history and understanding of it, we may hopefully make up for some of the generation gap that is often
negatively referred to. Through this information, we hope your organization may better understand this
important date and will learn new ways to promote and educate others about Black April.
What is Black April?
Black April is observed on April 30th and is the English term used by most Vietnamese overseas to refer to the
Fall of Saigon which occurred on April 30th, 1975. This marks the end of the South Vietnamese government
bringing all of Viet Nam under the North Vietnamese communist regime. As a result of this, Saigon, which was
the capital of South Vietnam, was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the late leader of the Vietnamese
Communist Party. Furthermore, many people fled the country for various reasons leading to the large
Vietnamese Diaspora that exists abroad today.
In Vietnamese, it is referred to as ““Ngày Ba Mѭѫi Tháng Tѭ”” (The 30th of April) or ““Ngày Quӕc Hұn,”” roughly
translated as ““day of national resentment.”” In Viet Nam, it is referred to as ““Ngày Giҧi Phóng”” and translated as
““Victory Day.”” For those who didn’’t make the connection, it is considered a victory by the North Vietnamese
government that defeated the South Viet Nam.
The North Vietnamese tanks crushed through the gate of the South Vietnam Presidential Palace at roughly
12pm. Also around this time, President Duong Van Minh (last president of South Vietnam) went onto Saigon
Radio Station and announced South Vietnam's unconditional surrender, marking the end of the war and the
collapse of the government.
Also, on April 30th, 1975, the Republic of Viet Nam officially ended but South Vietnam continued to be
governed by the National Liberation Front (an arm of the Communist government of North Viet Nam). Viet
Nam did not officially reunify until 1976, at which time it became officially known as the Socialist Republic of
Viet Nam. Saigon did not become Ho Chi Minh City until 1976. Interestingly, Ho Chi Minh City is the only
city in Viet Nam that is named after a person. Vietnamese society does not have a tradition of naming city after
a person's name, this renaming of Saigon to HCM City is rather a practice of communist states (i.e. Leningrad
in Russia).
Today, many youth not only commemorate the Fall of Saigon, but also the achievements of VietnameseAmericans concurrently to highlight the positives of the situation. While remembering the past, we are able to
focus on the present and future as well.
Concerns
““My VSA has a nonpolitical stance and finds it inappropriate to do any activities involving Black April””
Unless an organization politicizes it, Black April is not a political event. This date marks the Fall of Saigon, a
pivotal moment in Vietnamese history, and is effectively the main reason why Vietnamese-Americans exist in
these numbers today. In commemorating this date, an organization does not have to condemn anyone or discuss
sensitive topics pertaining to Vietnam, but should at the very least educate members and others about the
significance of this date to the Vietnamese-American background. Though many college students sympathize
with many other worldly issues, educating others about their past (specifically details surrounding Black April)
definitely is not one of them. In order to strengthen our community, we must be able to accept and understand
our past.
IF one’’s organization chooses to politicize it, then all the power to it. There are plenty of issues of debate
surrounding contemporary Viet Nam and if people plan on helping the situation in any way, these people also
need to be educated about the current state of the country and its happenings.
PEER DISCUSSION
This seems to currently be the most wide spread form of Black April awareness as it may be found in pretty
much all the SoCal UVSA schools. It usually takes place during a general meeting, but is also utilized in
conjunction with other events sharing the subject. Below are the different forms it may be found in.
How to…
Break Out Groups
(This technique might be more effective for larger organizations or for situations where one feels participation
will increase in a more in an intimate setting.)
An organization divides itself into small groups (ideally 6-12 people) and discusses topics amongst themselves.
The way discussion is facilitated is completely up to the organization, but there are better techniques for
discussion than allowing each group to speak freely. To make this activity more effective, a moderator can be
strategically placed in each group to encourage sharing, provide some example topics or simply to lead
discussion toward a direction. Another effective way would be to have one central moderator who prescribes
topics and allows discussion for a limited time (10-15 minutes or longer depending on the crowd and topic)
until a new topic is introduced. Rather than allowing for discussion to simply end, it could be more interesting
to rotate through each group asking for the most significant conversation/something they learned to be shared
with the entire group.
Large Group Discussion
(This technique might be more effective for smaller groups or when one feels group sharing would be more
beneficial.)
Discussion will take place in an atmosphere where sharing will include the entire group. It can be a free for all,
or ““popcorn”” style if one feels this will work out, but having a moderator will provide some preparation
ensuring discussion will continue or simply to lead discussion toward a direction. More often than not, sitting in
a circle (if possible) will be more beneficial for the discussion atmosphere and usually prompts more individuals
to speak.
For both types, remember that this activity is extremely flexible and should be tailored to each organization as
one may feel necessary. If moderators are employed, make sure these people are aware of when a topic might
be getting drawn out or when more time should be provided for a popular topic.
Example Topics
i. What does Black April mean to you, if anything?
ii. Do you have a relative who was apart of the boat refugee experience?
iii. Do your parents drill Black April into your head, or do they try to keep you away from it? Why do you think
they do so?
Intention: Most importantly to learn about one another and realize that this is a shared history, not individual,
with hopes of empowering one another to share such stories with others and ultimately to be better understood
as a community.
PANEL DISCUSSION/SEMINAR
Though not unfamiliar to SoCal VSAs, the duty of finding and scheduling credible panelists may prove to be
difficult which often deters the inclusion of this event, but the few schools that employ do it pretty consistently.
The greatest benefit of this particular program is the insight and experience a panelist will bring that often times
a VSA itself might lack. This usually takes place during a Black April event, but could also be incorporated into
a general meeting given that it would be longer.
How to…
The standard way of organizing this would be to select a number of panelists (ideally 3-5) that one feels is
credible to speak about the subject that will be focused on or the theme of the program. Panelists will be
allowed 5-15 minutes to introduce themselves and tell an anecdote or share their beliefs giving the audience a
better understanding of each person’’s background. Following that portion, a question and answer (Q&A)
session will take place as questions are taken from the audience. If the space is small enough, a person may
stand up and speak; if not, passing a microphone around would be equally effective. A moderator would be a
good idea to not only facilitate the Q&A session, but also to smooth out and cut short any quarrels between
panelists (it happens——really).
Another way of organizing this would be to begin with shorter introduction periods and instead of focusing on
audience questions, a set of pre-determined questions will be on hand which will be read off by the moderator.
Each panelist will then have a turn at answering the question and perhaps responding to a fellow panelist’’s
comment. This setup would be beneficial when panelists have extremely varied backgrounds and beliefs to
allow the audience to experience a balanced session. If one person is allowed more time in such a case, it may
seemingly overshadow and overpower another’’s points. A short Q&A from the audience can also take place if
time permits or if one feels audience participation is crucial in the successful of the event.
Credible panelists: If a person has not done this or is not well versed in the area, finding a good panelist might
be difficult and one would not want to run into a situation that called for deciding to cancel the event or present
bad panelists. There are plenty of ways of finding good panelists:
(1) Search one’’s faculty database and perhaps a discovery of a candidate might be found. Non-Vietnamese
ethnic studies and Asian American studies professors could play an important role if the theme calls for it.
(2) See if a local Vietnamese community leader may be located. If one feels this person is not right, use this
community leader as a resource as this person may track down the right person.
(3) Contact UVSA as the organization has a wide collection of connections and may be able to find the perfect
person(s) for the event.
(4) Don’’t forget to evaluate oneself and those within the VSA as students are often perfect in providing a young
perspective.
All in all, ensure that each panelist has sufficient knowledge and is not ignorant about the issues that come up
with the topic that is chosen. Also, don’’t forget non-Vietnamese panelists with the right experience/knowledge
could work for a panel if the topic is fitting.
Examples of a panel make up:
i. College Student, Middle-Aged Vietnamese Adult & non-Vietnamese Academic (could be appropriate for
more opinion-based topics such as ““Feelings Toward Viet Nam Today”” or ““Effects of the Viet Nam War on
the Vietnamese Community Abroad””)
ii. Boat Person Refugee, Wartime Veteran, non-VN Wartime Veteran & Sponsored Immigration Person (could
be appropriate for more experienced-based topics such as ““Different Perspectives on the VN War””)
iii. College Student, VN International Student & VN Community Leader (could be appropriate for more
opinion-based topics such as ““Viet Nam: Prepared or Unprepared for Global Integration)
There are endless possibilities and it’’s up to each organization to choose a topic and find the people necessary to
discuss the chosen topic. As can be observed, topics don’’t necessarily need to be focused around the Viet Nam
War, but Black April could provide a chance to bring other issues to the table.
Intention: To present different view points and experiences from a variety of people to better understand the
complexities of Black April. Also, to answer questions many youth may have about various topics surrounding
this date.
BLACK RIBBONS
This seems to be the second most used tactic at SoCal campuses as UVSA also promotes it. Ribbons can be
handed out during meetings or at a visible spot on campus and individuals dawn the ribbon throughout the
month or on the day of to commemorate Black April.
How to…
Black ribbon is cut into sections 2-3in. long and bent to form a ribbon shape and is attached to a safety pin
allowing for an individual to pin it to one’’s shirt or another visible item (i.e. backpack). The ribbon serves two
main purposes, the first being a visual reminder of Black April to those who are conscious about it. Secondly,
the ribbon is to prompt questions from peers who might not understand why a person is wearing the black
ribbon, at which time the ribbon-bearer will give some information on Black April hopefully spreading
knowledge of this commemorative day to other outside of the Vietnamese American community.
Example:
Though in Southern California it is common to use black ribbon to coincide with Black April, using a Yellow
ribbon with an inner red stripe could also work. It would have the same effect as any other ribbon, but the
downturn would be having a unique sign, taking away from the unity of a single symbol.
Intention: A visible display symbolizing Black April in order that others may recognize and acknowledge the
date as well as for others to inquire and learn more about it.
WEAR BLACK ATTIRE
This has wide use among SoCal VSAs as it is an easy way to commemorate Black April and only require
publicity.
How to…
Simply inform members or other community members about wearing black attire on April 30th to recognize the
date. Though black is a common color, perhaps wearing all black to an event might also be effective, otherwise,
if anyone happens to ask, tell them why black was chosen as the color for the day. Adding a pin of the
Vietnamese Flag (which can be ordered, look online) to the article of clothing could better depict the point of
this action.
UCSD in the main plaza.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
This is also definitely something that has been around, but again, only a handful of VSAs organize one. It
should take place at night for the full visual effect of the candles.
How to…
A candlelight vigil in itself is organized by handing out candles and lighting them together while at a single
location preferably when it’’s relatively dark. As this event will probably take place in the evening, there will be
less people around so it is not necessary for this to take place somewhere with many passersby. Usually
candlelight vigils are held in conjunction with other events (i.e. seminar or discussion) and some soft music or a
speech/poem is read aloud to create a better atmosphere. Music can always set the tone for any event, but a
meaningful speech or poem read slowly can have a large impact on those in attendance. To further set the
mood, ask those in attendance to reflect on the many people who passed during the war and those who died at
sea in search of freedom.
Intention: To create a more meaningful atmosphere where people can reflect on the effects of the Viet Nam war
and other issues relating to it.
FLYERING
A small number of schools have used flyers as a medium to distribute information and awareness about Black
April. This is extremely versatile and can stand alone or be integrated into other events that take place in public
areas.
How to…
An organization may set up a table or simply stand somewhere with heavy foot traffic and hand out flyers.
Flyering shouldn’’t be an alien concept as many organizations utilize it for publicity of other events and issues,
but it is also perfect to translate this method into publicizing Black April and its significance.
Integrating this into any other event would also be very easy, given man power is sufficient. Flyering during a
daytime program, public display or handing them out when people ask about the black ribbon can all be
effective.
Intention: To create an inexpensive handout detailing Black April and the significance it has for VietnameseAmericans and the broader Vietnamese community for others to learn more about it.
PUBLIC DISPLAY
Only a couple VSAs have organized these in recent times as it requires some preparation. This can last one day
or an entire month depending what your campus can accommodate and what an organization wants to achieve.
How to…
Location The two ways of presenting this is either doing it outdoors (somewhere with heavy foot traffic) or
placing it indoors (in a gallery/multipurpose room). What is presented may also be dictated by where it’’s
located; indoor locations may better accommodate more valuable pieces such as pictures and works of art
whereas an outdoor display would probably be more suited for display boards and items that are more durable
and can stand the environment. Each location offers something different as the outdoor option will be noisier
and target the masses in an effort to educate as many people that pass by, while the indoors option allows for a
more quiet atmosphere allowing for reflection and contemplation.
Displays As with much of these activities, it is up to your imagination to include what you feel is relevant.
Putting together display boards with information about Black April and statistics about the Vietnamese
Community abroad is always interesting. A similar board with pictures would also be appropriate. Studentcreated works are especially appropriate for this type of display. The more difficult items to track down AND
borrowed are large art works and pictures that reflect on the date as well as other visual expressions. To find
those, try contact a community leader or ask personal contacts (including your parents if they’’re local) to get
some assistance in tracking them down. Often times such items are sitting in someone’’s house or garage and a
chance for these things to be displayed for an event like this would be perfect. All of this is very vague
essentially because there is no ““go to”” source to obtain such things——unfortunately Vietnamese Community
centers have been slow to develop.
Length The longer the display, the more chances people will be able to experience it. If a month sounds too
long, or the campus can’’t accommodate it, a week-long or single day display will do. Naturally an indoor
display can last longer purely because it does not need to be tended to or put away every night.
Posters
Some schools have also utilized posters to create awareness for Black April as no hassle way to publicize the
date. UCSD VSA put up at strategic locations around campus large 5ft x 3.5ft posters of the Vietnamese flag
that hah ““Black April”” and other short messages on them.
Individual Expression
A great method of allowing people to passively participate and express themselves can be organizing an
art/essay contest or have medium to allow participants to write down their reflections about this day. Both of
these activities will make the event more interactive as well as allow for some people to share their thoughts
who might otherwise shy away from other more individually focused activities.
Intention: To create a visual display representing Black April in order that others may recognize and
acknowledge the date as well as for others to inquire and learn more about it.
Timeline display of significant events in
recent Vietnamese/Vietnamese-American
history at UCLA.
Banner supporting freedom for Viet Nam
at UCLA.
Art submission at UVSA’’s art contest.
Photography display at UCSD in the main plaza.
ATTEND LOCAL BLACK APRIL COMMEMORATION
Though this is a relatively simple activity, SoCal VSAs often do not take advantage of community
commemorations. With that said, prior experience or negative judgments are usually the deterrent. Not much
planning is involved on the part of the organization and multiple VSAs could meet up together there.
How to…
All that is really involved is setting up carpools to transport members to the event site and of course publicizing
that the organization will be providing rides. If carpools are not possible, publicizing a meeting time and spot at
the event could work, but this method is highly discouraged as it may be extremely ineffective for such an
event.
To gear this more toward student interests and to make the event more meaningful, a group does not necessarily
have to sit at the stage or focus on the events of the day. This could be an ideal place for peer discussion (much
more informal than what was detailed before) as being in such an environment may invoke some
memories/emotions.
Though these events usually don’’t cater to students, a lot can be learned observing and listening to why there is
still so much passion for Black April. If anything, the mere presence of youth at such events sparks great pride
and admiration from the older generation who often feel the younger generation neglects to think about the state
of Viet Nam or why and how they came to be in the US. The support that is provided would truly assist in the
so-called ““generation gap”” that is referred to so often.
Involvement
Better yet, get INVOLVED in your local community Black April commemoration. Various schools have been
involved in different ways including organizing a skit, singing a song or participating in the opening ceremony.
This will truly allow for a genuine connection between the older and younger generations.
Intention: To integrate youth into Black April community events and receive a first hand observation of why it
means so much to the older generation in order that they may learn more about the date as well as reinforce the
older generation in their efforts.
UCSD skit at San Diego community
commemoration.
Viet Nam Freedom March at Washington,
D.C., 2005
SCREEN DOCUMENTARY/FILM
Though many VSAs have planned to do this, finding a good documentary/film or given the rights to use them is
particularly difficult. On the other hand, there are many instances when students screen them without asking to
do so.
How to…
This is definitely an easy event to throw together and can be as complicated or simple as one chooses. The
essential ingredients include the piece that will be featured and a place to play it. There are a couple titles at the
end of this section with some (perhaps) familiar titles in case there are no pieces that are known.
The most fitting addition to this event would be a discussion session at the end to allow those who attended to
ask any questions or discuss any issues they might feel are relevant. If a knowledgeable person is not around to
answer questions, allow the peers to discuss and perhaps answer each other’’s questions.
Recommendations:
- Little Saigon, USA (Documentary, 2004)
http://home.earthlink.net/~saigonusa/
- Journey From the Fall/Vѭӧt Sóng (Film, 2007)
http://www.journeyfromthefall.com/
Slideshow
An organization may also put together a compilation of pictures relevant to Black April and show that during a
meeting or as an opening for a larger Black April event.
Intention: To create another avenue for Black April awareness in order that others may learn more about the
date as well as its significance to the Vietnamese-American and broader Vietnamese community.
DAYTIME PROGRAMMING
Currently only UCSD has attempted to do this with the goal of bringing Black April into a mainstream. Like
other daytime programs across various campuses, it takes place during the busiest schools hours (preferably
between around 10am-4pm) and should take place at a central area with plenty of foot traffic that can
accommodate a small stage and sound system. Think of this as organizing a mini culture night focused around
Black April.
How to…
Location Most campuses have obvious places to locate such an event (often next to the cafeteria/eateries/student
unions), but if this is not the case, be sure to decide on the most visible location that will ensure heavy traffic.
Depending on the campus, a stage might not be necessary as there may be a permanent elevated surface
intended for this type of use.
Programming As for the program, a variety of acts can be included depending on what one feel sis appropriate.
Here’’s a list of example acts:
i. Student speaker sharing their thoughts about Black April
ii. Vietnamese community speakers (boat people, veterans, etc.)
iii. Vietnamese cultural performance
iv. Poems or other artistic expressions
v. Singing numbers
Don’’t feel that because the event might run for 3-5 hours that every second needs to be filled. It is acceptable to
leave 5-15 minute periods between each act.
Logistics Another task that needs to be taken care of are reservations for the location, stage (if applicable) and
sound system. Most schools allow the use of these areas free of charge and can be reserved by student
organizations; if it’’s not free, a clean-up fee or small charge might be introduced. The stage and sound system
are usually controlled by the same group on each campus and almost always charge. To avoid having to front
the charges, look into applying for funding from the student government or from the student union itself. Often,
the group in charge of AV/Tech and similar rentals will waive fees for nonprofit or good causes. It is important
that these matters are researched as to not bring financial burdens to your organization.
UCSD’’s Model –– located in Price Center Plaza (middle of main student union) 11am-2pm with stage & sound
system; put up Vietnamese & American flags around Plaza; acts included singers, poems, & many student
speakers; gave out ribbons to those who asked about the event.
Intention: To create an extremely visible event to publicize Black April awareness in order that others may
learn more about the date as well as its significance to the Vietnamese-American and broader Vietnamese
community. Also to create a space where performance art expressions relevant to the day may be presented.
DAY OF SILENCE
Some people may have heard of this type of expression before, but only UCLA has utilized this as a form of
expression for Black April. It usually takes place on the actual date of Black April (or whenever is appropriate)
and is a personal vow taken for the day.
How to…
Students refrain from speaking the entire day and tie a black strip of fabric across their mouth to symbolize this.
When there are any inquiries, this person either writes on a notepad why he has chosen to do this or hands an
informational slip of paper detailing Black April and its importance thereby spreading awareness of Black April
and what it means to the Vietnamese Community.
To strengthen this activity, have sign ups and contracts for volunteers of the activity to sign to emphasize its
seriousness and commitment. By inviting other outside of the Vietnamese-American community to join, a
greater cross-cultural understanding may occur. Participants may also be asked to share their experience at an
event later in the day/week or at the next general meeting if such an activity is fitting. This will truly allow the
purpose of this activity to come to life.
Intention: To allow for an unorthodox expression of Black April allowing for an understanding of how it feels to
not have a voice and not have freedom of speech. Also to create awareness in order that others may learn more
about the date as well as its significance to the Vietnamese-American and broader Vietnamese community.
CLOSING NOTES
In terms of these projects and activities, remember your imagination is the limit. Any and all of these activities
may be incorporated into an effort to educate others about Black April. Feel free to mix and match any of the
above activities as it will make for a more meaningful commemoration. Of course, don’’t forget to publicize or
any efforts will be effectively wasted. These events might not be as popular as a dance or entertainment
showcase, but when emotional and touching encounters are experienced, one will realize the significance of
these simple yet strong events.
Hopefully the information in this packet has ignited the flame within to educate others about Black April and its
significance to the Vietnamese community in general. Good luck with any Black April preparations that will be
needed and hopefully many will be touched and educated this year!