The Republic of the Union of Maynmar, previously Burma, still experiences states of unrest despite 25 groups signing a peace treaty in 2007. It is the world’s longest civil war due to numerous ethnic and political uprisings starting in the 1940’s. Burmese citizens have been displaced by the conflict between dozens of religious and political groups. Until recently, they have sought asylum in Thailand and surrounding countries.
In 2005, the UN Refugee Agency (UNRA) started a group resettlement program with the cooperation of the Thai and US governments. Since then nearly 73,000 Burmese refugees have come to the US, and some have landed in Tampa. Florida has the largest refugee population in the country; Miami and Tampa are the top two in the state for integrating those displaced by conflict into our communities.
Last year I had the privilege to experience their culture at the Burmese Festival and Health Fair thanks to the Tampa Bay Burmese Council and the USF Health Service Corpse. I taught refugee children how to play Frisbee and showed them how to jump rope as fun ways to stay active and healthy. The band, equipped with electric guitars, played Metallica riffs before performing a traditional Maynmar dance. The ladies wore beaded head dresses that matched their clothing dyed in rich reds a blues. Despite a small language barrier (the children spoke English and served as translators), I was able to get permission for a few photos of the garb.
Last year I had the privilege to experience their culture at the Burmese Festival and Health Fair thanks to the Tampa Bay Burmese Council and the USF Health Service Corpse. I taught refugee children how to play Frisbee and showed them how to jump rope as fun ways to stay active and healthy. The band, equipped with electric guitars, played Metallica riffs before performing a traditional Maynmar dance. The ladies wore beaded head dresses that matched their clothing dyed in rich reds a blues. Despite a small language barrier (the children spoke English and served as translators), I was able to get permission for a few photos of the garb.
During 2013, nearly 6,500 Mayanmar refugees applied for asylum in the US from Thailand. January of this year was the deadline for them to apply for resettlement in the US but thousands more refugees are expected to trickle in to the country as applications are approved. Those who have already made it to the US are integrating successfully and many have found careers and bought homes.
Tampa had nearly 15,000 new residents from foreign countries in 2011 according to the Census Bureau, which makes our city one of the most diverse; a title that no one seems to mind seeing that Tampa has welcomed the Burmese refugees with open arms.
Thanks for reading, you can find more pictures of the festival in the photos section. Keep positive!
Tampa had nearly 15,000 new residents from foreign countries in 2011 according to the Census Bureau, which makes our city one of the most diverse; a title that no one seems to mind seeing that Tampa has welcomed the Burmese refugees with open arms.
Thanks for reading, you can find more pictures of the festival in the photos section. Keep positive!