𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐔 - 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘴

“𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗨, also known as the Karenni Community of Texas, is a non-profit organization that unites and represents Karenni people across cities throughout Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Amarillo, and others.” Brief History of DEEKU

“𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗨, also known as the Karenni Community of Texas, is a non-profit organization that unites and represents Karenni people across cit

ies throughout Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Amarillo, and others.”

Mrs. Prior to assuming this role, she served DEEKU in several capacities for over eight years, demonstrating a strong commitment to the organization and its mission. The Karenni people were displaced by the Burmese civil war and spent several years in refugee camps along the Thai border. In time, many resettled in countries such as the United States, Australia, Finland, and New Zealand. However, arrival in the United States—often regarded as the “land of opportunity”—did not immediately guarantee peace, stability, or security. In 2008, the United States faced a severe economic recession, resulting in widespread unemployment. The Karenni community was among those most significantly affected. Yet, as the saying goes, “out of adversity comes opportunity.” During this challenging period, a group of Karenni volunteers recognized the need to strengthen community solidarity in Texas and began exploring ways to support one another in times of hardship. On January 1, 2011, more than 30 representatives from Dallas, Austin, Amarillo, Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth convened in Houston for a two-day statewide conference. This historic gathering led to the formation of the Karenni Community of Texas, now known as DEEKU, with clearly defined goals. The Karenni community firmly believes that DEEKU plays a vital role in fostering unity, preserving cultural identity, and providing mutual support among Karenni families. The organization is guided by two primary objectives: first, to support Karenni families living in Texas and in Karenni State; and second, to preserve, promote, and strengthen Karenni identity. The publication of this book represents a significant milestone and a source of pride for DEEKU, as it contributes to the preservation and promotion of Karenni heritage on a broader scale. The founding conference was attended by city-level representatives including Lu Kayahphu, Buri Samuele, Oo R. As the host city, Houston had the largest delegation, followed by Dallas, San Antonio, Amarillo, Fort Worth, and Austin. Notably, Nacogdoches was not represented at the meeting. DEEKU has grown to become the largest Karenni organization in Texas, a success made possible by the leadership and vision of its founding members: Mr. Lu Kayahphu, Mr. Nic Shar, and Mr. Sor. Today, DEEKU stands as a symbol of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Karenni people.