After the Vietnam War, many Hmong people found themselves as refugees. The resettlement of some to the United States began in 1975, with multiple waves continuing until 2006. Today Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to the largest urban Hmong population in the world. The Hmong people in Minnesota have developed a strong and vibrant community in their chapter of the immigrant story in America.
August 12, 1992 - MPR’s Jim Wishner talks with Bob Anderson and Padee Yang about Hmong American Partnership, a nonprofit social service and community development organization. The two discuss the unique challenges for Hmong as they adapt to life in the United States.
August 27, 1992 - MPR’s Kitty Eisele interviews Hmong filmmaker Vang Xiong, who examines the loss of Hmong culture and family tradition as individuals try to adjust to living in the United States.
September 2, 1992 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder talks with Lee Pao Xiong, executive director of Hmong American Partnership, about Hmong youth in Minnesota. Xiong describes gender and family dynamics within Hmong community and language struggles of young Hmong students in Minnesota education system.
November 6, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks to the playwright and cast behind "We are Hmong," an original play collaboratively produced in St. Paul. The play explores the generational and cultural tug-of-war that characterizes Hmong family life in America.
November 27, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the annual Hmong New Year’s celebration held in St. Paul. Roberts interviews participants and describes some of the customs on display.
December 11, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles General Vang Pao, a major general in the Royal Lao Army and a leader of the Hmong American community in the United States. Segment includes interviews academics, supporters, critics, and General Vang Pao himself.
June 9, 1993 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on Hmong teen pregnancy and some of the cross-cultural situations that are behind it. Roberts visits the AGAPE School in St. Paul and speaks with young mothers, administrators, and local advocates.
June 25, 1993 - MPR’s Kate Smith reports on Hmong farming in Minnesota, where a more traditional approach returns to a land where modern agriculture now dominates.
June 26, 1993 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Chong Koua Yang, owner of Hmong Auto Services in St. Paul. Yang provides an option to those in Hmong community where language is still an obstacle in daily American life.
September 24, 1993 - An interview about Hmong storytelling with local musician/performer. Segment includes translation of story and a musical performance.