{"id":3966,"date":"2025-01-21T04:43:33","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T04:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chinaffairs.org\/?p=3966"},"modified":"2025-01-21T04:43:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T04:43:33","slug":"elaisa-vahnie-a-chin-leader-receives-2025-mlk-humanitarian-award-from-indiana-civil-rights-commission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chinaffairs.org\/?p=3966","title":{"rendered":"Elaisa Vahnie, a Chin leader, receives 2025 MLK Humanitarian Award from Indiana Civil Rights Commission"},"content":{"rendered":"

Indianapolis, USA \u2014 Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), was awarded the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission on January 17, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Indiana Statehouse as part of the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration.<\/p>\n

In its announcement on Instagram<\/a>, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission described Vahnie as “a transformative leader in the Indianapolis community.” The commission highlighted his role as the co-founder and Executive Director of BACI, stating, “Vahnie has dedicated his career to empowering Burmese refugees and immigrants. Under his leadership, BACI has supported over 17,000 individuals through integration, education, advocacy, and economic opportunities.”<\/p>\n

A native of Chin State in Myanmar, Vahnie fled to India in 1996 after facing arrest for his involvement in the pro-democracy movement. He later moved to the United States with the support of a U.S. Department of State scholarship. His inspiring story is featured in The International Center\u2019s “50 for 50 \u2013 Elaisa Vahnie” profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since May 2011, Vahnie has served as Executive Director of BACI, following the completion of his Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from Indiana University Bloomington. According to the organization\u2019s website, \u201cThe Burmese American Community Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides human services, social services, and educational and vocational support to the Burmese and newcomer community in greater Indianapolis.\u201d<\/p>\n

During his acceptance speech, Vahnie shared his gratitude and vision for unity, stating: \u201cThe progress and positive impact we see today in our shared communities is a testament to the partnerships we have forged together. Coming together like this cohesively in harmony is for me the Unity we all want to Embrace and Celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Photo: Elaisa Vahnie(center) after receiving MLK Humanitarian Award(The BACI Facebook) <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Indianapolis, USA \u2014 Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), was awarded the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission on January 17, 2025. 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