Santa Ana proclaims April 30 as Black April honoring Vietnamese American resilience

In a heartfelt gathering at Santa Ana City Hall, council members and community leaders came together to commemorate a significant historical event—the fiftieth anniversary of the fall of Saigon, marked on April 30, 2025. This proclamation, known as Black April, serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the Vietnamese people during a tumultuous period in history.

As council member Thai Viet Phan shared, the fall of Saigon in 1975 not only led to one of the largest mass exoduses in modern history but also signified the beginning of a new chapter for Vietnamese communities both in Vietnam and abroad. Phan, who himself is a product of this history, reflected on the immense hardships endured by families like his own, who fled the ravages of war and political persecution. He noted that between 1975 and 1995, over three million people sought refuge, many finding new homes in Southern California, which has become a central hub for the Vietnamese diaspora.

The proclamation was presented to Little Saigon TV, a cornerstone of Vietnamese American media since the 1980s. This organization has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture, uniting generations within the community through its diverse programming. Phan highlighted the importance of Little Saigon TV in fostering pride and awareness, as well as its partnership with the city in hosting cultural events that celebrate the contributions of the Vietnamese American community.

As the city prepares for a commemorative event at the USS Midway on April 27, the proclamation of Black April stands as a testament to resilience and remembrance. With over 30,000 Vietnamese residents in Santa Ana alone, the community continues to thrive, embodying both the history of their past and the promise of a bright future. The evening concluded with a sense of unity and pride, as the city honors the lives lost during the Vietnam War era and celebrates the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese American community.