Collection
Hmong life in Minnesota
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.
237 Collection Items
- North Star Journey: Hmong immigrants put down roots on Dakota County farmland
MPR’s Jon Collins profiles Hmong immigrants who have put down roots on Dakota County farmland. The Hmong American Farmers Association closed on farmland just south of the Twin Cities in Dakota County in 2022. The more than 150 acres are home base for the organization and 20 families of Hmong farmers.
- A family breaks from tradition to honor sister's life, bring awareness to domestic violence
All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with David and Mandy Yang, family members of Jennifer Yang, a 36-year-old Anoka County woman, who was killed by her husband in what was ruled as a murder-suicide. The Yang’s discuss the need for Hmong families to have conversations regarding domestic violence.
- North Star Journey: Bridge to the spirit realm - Hmong shamanism in Minnesota
On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Jacob Aloi talks with Hmong shaman Billy Lor and others about shamanism and its importance in the Hmong community.
- New generation of Hmong dancers prep for New Year celebration in Southwest Minnesota
MPR’s Hannah Yang visits the Veterans Memorial Center in rural Tracy, a southwestern Minnesota town. Young Hmong dancers are busy getting ready for the Hmong New Year as they practice traditional dance routines.
- North Star Journey: Hmong health leaders stepped up as COVID ravaged community
On this segment of North Star Journey, MPR’s Peter Cox looks at how a growing class of young Hmong doctors, nurses, and public health leaders recognized COVID’s threat and worked to guide people toward science-based answers.
- 'A historic moment for our community': Hmong Minnesotans revel in Sunisa Lee's Olympic journey
MPR’s Peter Cox reports that as St. Paul’s Sunisa Lee heads to the Tokyo Olympics in the coming days, the country’s Hmong community is expected to watch closely as the first Hmong American competes there on the gymnastics world stage.
- MayKao Hang remembers Kao Ly Ilean Her
Kao Ly Ilean Her, a pioneering leader in Minnesota's Hmong community and the first Hmong person to serve on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, died Thursday at the age of 52. MPR’s Steven John interviews Dr. MayKao Hang, Her’s longtime friend. Hang says Her helped pave the way for young Hmong American women.
- Dai Thao remembers Marny Xiong
Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Dai Thao, who remembers Marny Xiong, St. Paul school board chair, who died of COVID-19 at the age of 31. She was a champion for racial justice and equity.
- The ‘Glass Man’: How a former CIA worker helped bring the Hmong to America
MPR’s Tiffany Bui profiles Yang See, who worked as principal assistant to the liaison between the CIA and the Lao Royal Army under the radio code name “Glass Man” at the height of the Secret War in Laos. As communists seized power in Laos in 1975, he helped Hmong refugees flee the war and find safe harbor.
- Hmong for Native Speakers - A Twin Cities classroom, learning in Hmong and about being Hmong
MPR’s Elizabeth Shockman looks at Hmong for Native Speakers, a school elective taught in Hmong and grounded in Hmong history, culture, and language. It was created at Brooklyn Park’s Park Center High School to bridge a learning gap between culture and classroom academics.