By Saulkdi Yangh
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Other Well-Known and Prominent Figures
Introduction
The Hmong have a long history of migration and wherever resettled, they left an impact. This is especially true in the United States. The Hmong have settled in the US for over 45 years and since then have made major strides in terms of representation, social and political activity, and organization. This article aims to highlight nationally recognized Hmong-American individuals and organizations in the US in hopes of showing how far they’ve come since arriving as refugees. The individuals and organizations mentioned in the article represent only some of those who were or are pioneers and so readers are encouraged to use this as an initial step towards doing their own research on Hmong people in various positions, fields, organizations, and occupations both within and outside of the US.
Significant Hmong-Americans
Sunisa Lee (Gymnastics Olympian)
One of the most popular and well-known Hmong figures in the world, Sunisa Lee is an Hmong-American gymnast who rose to fame as an Olympic athlete at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Before winning the gold medal, Lee came from humble beginnings. Her parents, John Lee and Yeev Thoj, were refugees who migrated to the US as a result of the Secret War and resettled in East Side Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her journey as a gymnast came with many challenges and barriers; but throughout all of it, her family, teachers, coaches, friends, and community stood in support of her dreams. The support she received and her passion for gymnastics pushed her to make history on the international stage.
At the age of 18, Sunisa Lee made her Olympic debut and held the title of being the first Hmong-American to represent on an US Olympic team. Hmong people throughout the diaspora would find ways to tune in and watch the young Hmong-American compete regardless of geographic location, nationality, language, or age.
Sunisa Lee would go on to defy odds and take home a gold medal for the US Olympic Team in the category of women’s individual all-around, making her the first Hmong-American and 6th US female champion to achieve the honor. Her immense victory would be followed up with her winning both a silver medal in team-all around and a bronze medal in bars final, completing her Olympic set. At the news, tears and awe filled Hmong people everywhere and over the next few weeks, she would become a household name with some even saying that she had become as famous as–if not more than–General Vang Pao. Children dressed up as her and were enrolled into gymnastics and other sports after being inspired by her success. She had not only become a US Olympic Champion but also a champion for the Hmong.
Yia “The Bull” Mua (International Muay Thai Kickboxing Champion)
Growing up in Central Valley of California as an immigrant in the 80s and 90s, Yia Mua was a part of the first waves of Hmong-Americans who came to the US. At this time, news and experiences of harassment and bullying of elders and children were common in the community. Stories of racial harassment by non-Hmong individuals, elders being robbed, kids coming home from school with bruises or worse were common during that time. As a result of being targeted, gang activities started to rise in areas with high Hmong populations including but not limited to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California. This would set the stage for Yia Mua’s life and his involvement in Muay Thai.
At a young age, Yia “the Bull” Mua stood up against bullies and gang members (including some Hmong gang members) who targeted his community. He was quick to fight first then think later and showed bravery in the face of confrontation. Because of his fighting habits and determination to stand up against harassment, he’s often remembered as someone who protected his people and had a tough heart (siab tawv). His upbringing of seeing his people being targeted in the US played a major role in his passion and dedication towards fighting and pushed him towards kickboxing. In a tribute documentary about his life “Tough Heart: The Life and Legacy of Yia the ‘Bull’ Mua”, his fighter friend Hongphet Inthavong shares that when asking Yia Mua why he wanted to fight, Yia responded, “I want to fight to make the Hmong people proud. I know Hmong people can fight.”
In the arena he was relentless and was a forward close-combat fighter similar to bulls in bullfights. This tenacious nature and fighting-style would earn him the title of “Yia ‘the Bull’ Mua”. During his ten-year career span, he won five international titles and various regional titles. Unfortunately, Yia “the Bull” Mua died at a young age (1975 – 2010) due to his undiagnosed Hepatitis B which evolved into terminal liver cancer. His name may no longer be well-known to those outside the Hmong community but those who do remember him refer to him as one of the first Hmong-American pioneers whose legacy still lives on and holds relevance.
Gia Vang (News Anchor)
Born and raised in California by two refugee parents from Laos, Gia Vang grew up with a big family of twelve. As a young girl, she didn’t plan to be a news anchor but instead stumbled upon it in college as she wanted to do something that involved writing. This resulted in her getting a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Sacramento State and entering into the world of broadcast journalism. Although there had been Hmong News Anchors before Gia Vang, she would end up being the first Hmong-American in a major U.S. news market, become an award-winning journalist, and a co-founder of the Very Asian Foundation. Sharing a likeness to other Hmong News Anchors like Bao Vang (first Hmong-American News anchor), Laura Lee, or Chenue Her (first Hmong male anchor), Gia Vang dedicates herself to sharing stories and truths revolving around the Hmong community and other marginalized or underrepresented groups.
Other Well-Known and Prominent Figures
The stories shared above are just some of the abundant Hmong-Americans who have made strides and cemented themselves in Hmong-American history. Listed below are a few more well-known individuals in various fields and practices.
Hmong Writers, Creatives, and Media Personalities
- Brenda Song: Widely known for her time with Disney, Brenda Song is a successful Hmong-American actress who has been acting since childhood. She’s been involved in numerous successful movies and TV series such as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, Dollface, and The Social Network.
- Kao Kalia Yang (Writer): One of the most well-known Hmong-American authors, Kao Kalia Yang is a celebrated writer. She rose to fame for her memoirs, The Late Homecome: A Hmong Family Memoir and The Song Poet: a Memoir of my Father. She has won many awards throughout her time as a writer and inspired the first ever Hmong opera show which was featured in Minnesota.
- Mai Der Vang (Writer): An accredited Hmong-American poet, Mai Der Vang has written two poetry books (Afterlands, 2017 and Yellow Rain, 2021) and has been featured in various poetry collections and publications. She has won national awards and grants for her pieces. Her book, Yellow Rain, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 2022.
- Pao Houa Her (Photographer): Internationally renowned photographer, Pao Houa Her, uses photography to capture and process the Hmong-American experience. Her work has been exhibited within and outside the US in places including New York, Chicago, Minnesota, Michigan, Thailand, and Canada.
- Yia Vang (Chef): Known for how he incorporates storytelling and history into his cooking, Chef Yia Vang made a name for himself as a proud Hmong-American chef who centers Hmong-American experiences. He has been featured in both the cooking series Iron Chef and the show Feral in 2022. He is also known for his media presence.
Hmong-American Organizations
When the Hmong first came to the US, there were little to no Hmong services established to help them navigate the country. Overtime, with hard work, dedication, passion, education, commitment, and community, Hmong-Americans have come together to create their own organizations and associations centering and supporting Hmong people. These organizations range between economics, social services, academics, business development, cultural centers, and more. Some of these organizations trace their histories all the way back to the 90’s and early 2000’s whereas others have emerged in the recent years. Below are a few of many organizations founded in the US.
| Organization and Location | Brief Organization Info |
|---|---|
| Hmong Studies Journal (National) | Discovered in 1995-1996, the Hmong Studies Journal is an online database of Hmong scholarship on various Hmong-related topics. The goal is to incite dynamic conversation and scholarship around Hmong studies for Hmong and non-Hmong communities. |
| Hmong Educational Resource Publishing (National, founded in Minnesota ) | Hmong Educational Resource Publishing (HER Publishing) is a Hmong publishing agency that advocates educational works on Hmong people, culture, life, and experience. They work with Hmong artists, students, and educators to make stories into accessible books. |
| Hmong Nurses Association (California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) | Founded by a collection of Hmong nurses, the Hmong Nurses Association (HNA) mission is to connect Hmong nurses with each other and the Hmong community. They offer mentorships, networking opportunities, events, and educational workshops. |
| Hmong American Farmers Association (Minnesota) | Formed in 2011 by a group of farming families, Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) came together to help support Hmong farmers. They help rent land and sell produce so that Hmong families can focus on farming and prosper while doing so. They’re focuses are on food economy, education, advocacy, and farm business development. |
| Hmong Museum (Virtual and Minnesota) | Unlike most museums, the Hmong Museum, established in 2015, primarily functions virtually and through collaboration with other cultural organizations and communities. Through these collaborations and virtual projects, Hmong Museum dedicates itself to the preservation of history, art, material, and knowledge making it a “museum without walls.” Hmong Museum will open its first gallery space in fall of 2023. |
| Shades of Yellow (Minnesota) | Shades of Yellow (SOY) was the first Hmong LGBTQ+ organization to ever exist. It was founded in 2003 and went inactive in 2017. During its run, SOY would host various workshops, communal and artistic programs, provide counseling, and more to support Hmong and AAPI LGBTQ+ demographics. |
| HmongStory Legacy (California) | HmongStory Legacy is a grassroots community organization effort that brings together heritage, history, identity, and story. They have a vast archive of stories, interviews, articles, exhibits, and photos documenting Hmong history and culture. |
| Hmong American Women’s Association (Wisconsin) | Hmong American Women’s Association (HAWA) was founded in 1993 by 13 community women who were passionate about advocating for Hmong women. They provide a wide range of services (domestic violence services, health literacy, literacy development, etc,) primarily in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. |
| MN Zej Zog (Virtual and Minnesota) | Minnesota Zej Zog was founded by a group of Hmong educators and community members who saw the need for language revitalization and healing. Summer camps, Education Coalitions, events, workshops, youth programs, and mental health advocacy are just some of the services that this organization offers. |
The list shared represents a small pool of the many Hmong organizations available nationwide dedicated to centering Hmong-Americans. If interested, readers are encouraged to reach out to Hmong centers or associations in their local or regional areas to learn more or get involved with Hmong-American communities.
Conclusion
Whether it be individuals or organizations, Hmong-Americans have changed how Hmong people are seen in the US and across the diaspora. People like Sunisa and Kao Kalia Yang are helping to make Hmong people known to the non-Hmong community and, in turn, pushing them to be curious about Hmong people. Organizations like the Hmong Studies Journal or Hmong Legacy Project are documenting written and recorded Hmong knowledge by and for Hmong people. Intersectional and international Hmong services and leaders that didn’t exist before now exist in local, regional, national, and international spheres. The Hmong may have come to the US as refugees with humble beginnings, but they have taken agency to make strides for themselves and will continue to be Hmong-American pioneers.
References
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Foundation to have positive changes for Hmong nurses. Hmong Nurses Association. (2023, August 3). https://www.hmongnurses.com/
Hawa’s mission is to organize Southeast Asian womyn, girls, Queer and trans people to Champion Gender Justice and collective liberation. Hmong American Women’s Association. (n.d.). https://weareheremke.org/hawa/
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Contributing Editor: Yia Vue
Illustrator: Alex Yang