A story. A community. A home.

Have you ever wondered why so many Zomi families across the United States choose Tulsa? Today, we explore the story behind that journey.

Welcome to the story of the Zomi community in Tulsa.

Tulsa, Oklahoma—known for its art deco skyline and warm Midwestern hospitality—has become something far more meaningful to thousands of people from halfway across the world. For the Zomi people, a Christian ethnic minority from the mountainous regions of Myanmar (formerly Burma), Tulsa isn’t just a city—it’s home.

A place of refuge, hope, and new beginnings.

It’s no wonder it’s now affectionately called “Zomi Town.”

A Journey Sparked by One

The Zomi story in Tulsa begins with a visionary: Dr. Chin Do Kham (D.D., D.Min., Ph.D.).

In the 1970s, Dr. Kham arrived in Tulsa to study at Oral Roberts University, a Christian institution known for its global mission and inclusive spirit. What began as a personal pursuit of faith and education soon became a foundation for an entire community.

After graduating, Dr. Kham remained in Tulsa and became a mentor to many. He helped Zomi newcomers find housing, open bank accounts, enroll their children in school, and adapt to a new culture. More than a leader, he became a bridge between worlds.

Though Dr. Kham passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on in every family he supported and every life he touched. He is remembered as the catalyst for what would become one of the largest concentrations of Zomi people in the United States.

Why Tulsa?

Why did so many Zomi people come to settle in this corner of the American heartland?

The answer lies in a combination of faith, opportunity, and community.

As Christians in a majority-Buddhist nation, many Zomi people faced religious persecution and political instability under military rule in Myanmar. Tulsa—home to a strong Christian presence, supportive institutions, and affordable living—offered both spiritual freedom and practical opportunities.

Beginning in the 1990s, and increasing after 2007, resettlement programs led by the U.S. State Department and the United Nations helped bring Zomi refugees to the United States. While some arrived directly in Tulsa, many later relocated here from other states, drawn by the city’s growing Zomi population, job opportunities, and strong sense of belonging.

The Rise of Zomi Town

Today, Tulsa is proudly referred to by many as Zomi Town or even Zomi USA.

As of today, there are approximately 15,000–20,000 Zomi immigrants and refugees from Myanmar living in the Tulsa area. What began as a small group has grown into a vibrant and close-knit community—rich with churches, small businesses, cultural gatherings, and community organizations.

Initiatives such as bilingual support in local school systems, including Jenks Public Schools, have helped Zomi families better navigate life in their new home.

Building a Community

To support the needs of a growing population, Zomi Community USA (ZIUSA) was founded in Tulsa in 2005.

As a national nonprofit organization, ZIUSA focuses on advocacy, cultural preservation, education, and leadership development. With 49 chapters across the United States, it continues to support Zomi individuals and families nationwide.

One of its most significant initiatives is the Zomi Conference (Zomi Khawmpi)—a biennial event that brings together thousands of Zomi from across the country for cultural celebration, youth development, sports, and community dialogue.

These efforts have strengthened cultural identity, promoted civic engagement, and ensured that Zomi heritage continues to thrive in the United States.

Our Future, Our Home

Zomi Town in Tulsa is more than just a name—it is a symbol of how far the community has come.

From a handful of families to a vibrant and resilient population, the Zomi people have built a home rooted in faith, unity, and hard work.

Here, in the heart of America, the community has found more than safety—it has found opportunity.

And as it continues to grow and contribute to the fabric of Tulsa, it remains committed to preserving its identity while embracing the future.

“Zomi Town is more than just a nickname—it is a symbol of everything built together.”

Welcome to Zomi Town.
Welcome to the story of the Zomi community in Tulsa.