Vietnamese community organizations are organizing the largest commemoration in Boston for the 50th anniversary of what has become known as “Black April” while continuing their push for a permanent memorial in Dorchester to uplift their voices in presenting Vietnam War narratives.

It was on April 30, 1975, that North Vietnamese troops marched into Saigon, the name at the time of the capital city of South Vietnam, effectively ending a war involving American armed forces that had ravaged the country for a decade and more. For many Vietnamese, the collapse of their government left them no option but to flee the country and seek safety in the United States.

Tran Vu, director of “1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Commemoration Initiative” and a primary organizer of the commemoration, was one of many Vietnamese-born refugees who settled in Boston.

“I am who I am and where I am because of Black April,” said Tran, whose father had fought in the war and had been sent to North Vietnamese reeducation camps before they found a path to the United States as political refugees. “Bringing this work to the public and to really be a part of the long-term vision is definitely an honor and a privilege.”

The Dorchester-based group will host a commemoration event on Sat., April 26, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd. The event is free, but registration is required. Go to BostonLittleSaigon.org for more info. The event will be live-streamed here.

Tran is also involved in “Journey of Light,” a visual illustration that she created using nón lá, traditional Vietnamese conical hats that are suspended in the air, creating a space where, Tran hopes, visitors can “both experience and see the impact of the war’s legacy.” She has done variations of the installation in the past.

Events following the Saturday commemoration at BC High will include a film screening for a documentary by a local Vietnamese filmmaker and a bilingual panel discussion at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. Go to jfklibrary.org to register.

The day will also feature two flag raising ceremonies— one at Boston City Hall Plaza at 11:30 a.m. and another at the Dorchester Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 1:30 in the afternoon.

Tran has been among those advocating for a permanent war memorial that includes Vietnamese perspectives in a section of Fields Corner’s Town Field. She spoke recently at a public hearing about allocating funding for the memorial in the city’s construction budget.

Five other organizations, including Boston Little Saigon, have been involved in organizing both 50th anniversary events. “We’re all working collaboratively so that we can continue to amplify our community and really preserve our history and cultural narrative,” Tran said.

This story is part of a partnership between the Dorchester Reporter and the Boston University Department of Journalism.