This workshop explores the powerful and complex legacy of Operation Babylift—one of the largest humanitarian evacuations in history—as a lens to examine war, displacement, and identity. As the Vietnam War came to a dramatic close in 1975, thousands of Vietnamese children were airlifted to the United States and other countries, raising profound questions about rescue, loss, and belonging.

Fifty years later, the impact of Operation Babylift continues to shape Vietnamese diasporic identities, adoption narratives, and intergenerational perspectives on war and migration. Educators will delve into the historical, humanitarian, and ethical dimensions of this event, situating it within the broader context of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. This timely discussion will equip participants with tools to engage students in critical conversations about history, memory, and the complexities of forced migration.

Facilitator: Keri Giannotti, TAAS Fellow

Free and open to all. Professional Development hours awarded.

This event is brought to you by Teach Asian American Stories and AAPI New Jersey. Made possible by support from The Asian American Foundation.