INDIANAPOLIS — May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. WRTV is sharing stories throughout the month highlighting the contributions from people in the AAPI community.
On the south side of Indianapolis, the Chin community is growing as refugees flee their home country of Burma searching for a better life.
WRTV spoke with Peter Thawnghmung, the president of a non-profit called Chin Community of Indiana.
"I've been here since 1980, a long time, I basically grew up here," Thawnghmung said. "There are nearly 30,000 Chin people who have moved from Burma through Malaysia, most of them as refugees, over the past 15 years that have settled on the south side of Indianapolis."
Thawnghmung says community is very important and describes Indianapolis's Chin community as a tight-knit group. In his position, he's focused on serving people and helping them learn and grow.
"We came to this country to work, work hard and live American dream," Thawnghmung said.
When he's not serving his community, Thawnghmung stays busy as the CEO of Yo Health, Inc. The company operates Yoshi restaurants, Sun and Moon Yogurt stores and Joyce's Bakery and Café.
One of the most recent Yoshi locations to open is located in downtown Indianapolis on the corner of Illinois and New York Streets.
A Yoshi is also located on the campus of Ohio State University and the company is working to open a bakery and Yoshi store in Greenwood.
"This investment in Yo Health gives an opportunity to build wealth," Thawnghmung said. "So this is why we are so excited to be taking this company public and see what happens, I think it's gonna do well."
According to Yo Health's website, the company currently operates 18 locations across the country with a goal to expand to over 100 during 2022.
-
'It’s stealing joy': Hoosiers react to clash involving Haliburton's dad, Bucks
Despite the Pacers big overtime win to eliminate the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs, an interaction after the game between Tyrese Haliburton’s dad is what made a lot of the headlines.
IMPD asking community to help locate missing teen
18-year-old Zachary Bean was last seen on Wednesday in the 300 block of N. Jersey Street, police say.
Price of gold hitting all-time highs
The price of gold is up $1,000 from a year ago and more than 30% since the start of the year. Experts say it’s due to the current state of the economy.
Still here, still healing: Through the eyes of survivors and advocates
One year after surviving gun violence, Larissa Smith reflects on her recovery with the support of a groundbreaking hospital-based program that offers therapy, resources, and community connections.
