TULSA, Okla. — The Zomi Community of Oklahoma (Zomi Innkuan Oklahoma) proudly participated in Welcoming Week 2025, held at Tulsa’s renowned Gathering Place — a nationally acclaimed riverfront park known for its world-class design and as a hub of community connection.
The event, hosted on September 12, 2025, at the Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn, marked the official national kickoff of Welcoming America’s Welcoming Week. This campaign unites immigrants, refugees, and long-term residents across the United States in a shared celebration of their collective sense of belonging. This year, Tulsa had the honor of being chosen as the host city — a recognition of its vibrant cultural diversity and commitment as a Certified Welcoming City.
Zomi Cultural Showcase
At the kickoff event, the Zomi community presented a booth and exhibition table alongside other immigrant groups, proudly displaying:
Photos captured the Zomi leaders with Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols and Deputy Mayor Krystal, underscoring the community’s active role in Tulsa’s multicultural landscape.
A Zomi community representative, Cin Hatlang, remarked that the timing was especially meaningful:
“This celebration is a good time because it coincides with our harvest season. Around this period, we traditionally celebrate the Khuado Festival, a season of Thanksgiving and festivities. Welcoming Week gives us the joy of sharing our culture in the same spirit of celebration.”
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About Welcoming Week
First launched in 2012 by Welcoming America, Welcoming Week has grown into a global movement celebrated across the United States and beyond. It provides a platform for communities to showcase their values through cultural events, interactive activities, and collaborative initiatives that foster inclusion and mutual respect.
According to Nem Lun, the City of Tulsa’s Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Manager, the event represents a milestone for the city:
“Welcoming Week is a full week of events where we have different organizations rally up and support the immigrant and refugee community and our long-term residents. This year’s kickoff in Tulsa is a huge honor. Welcoming America wanted to celebrate the diversity and vibrant community we have here.”
The FOX23 News coverage highlighted that more than a dozen cultural groups hosted tables and resource booths, each offering a glimpse into their heritage and contributions to Tulsa’s community life.
The Zomi People in Tulsa
For those unfamiliar, the Zomi are an indigenous people originating from the highlands of Myanmar and India. Many were resettled in Tulsa after fleeing religious persecution under Myanmar’s military dictatorship. Predominantly Christian and hardworking, Zomi families in Oklahoma are law-abiding immigrants who contribute to Tulsa’s workforce, education, and faith communities.
Beyond cultural pride, the Zomi community continues to affirm their identity — resisting colonial and authoritarian attempts to erase it. As noted in the Reclaiming and Embracing Zomi Identity statement, “Zomi is our birthright, our history, and our future. Choosing Zomi is not only cultural pride but an act of defiance against oppression.”
Looking Forward
Welcoming Week underscores Tulsa’s role as a city of belonging, where immigrant and refugee communities — including the Zomi — are not only accepted but celebrated.
The City of Tulsa’s Resilience Office continues to invite residents to get involved in Welcoming Week activities throughout September. For more information, visit welcomingamerica.org or contact resilient@cityoftulsa.org.
Sources / References:
- FOX23 News: Tulsa serves as host city for the national Welcoming Week Kickoff Event (Sept. 12, 2025)
https://www.fox23.com/news/tulsa-serves-as-host-city-for-national-welcoming-week-kickoff-event/article_d9b59ac7-542a-41d0-bc0c-fb5639762701.html - FOX23 Facebook Coverage: https://www.facebook.com/fox23news/posts/1329374021885974
- Zomi Innkuan Oklahoma Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZomiOK