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The Hmong are an ethnic group of people with a specific language and culture. The Hmong originally came from China but now reside in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. This is one of the many variations of traditional Hmong clothing.

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This is a photo of me in modernized Hmong clothing, taken at the annual Portland Hmong New Year.

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These are my grandparents. My grandma is wearing another variation of traditional Hmong clothing.

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Cher discusses the history of Hmong people and his experience adjusting to life in the U.S.

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This video speaks about the Hmong Language and Culture Enrichment program in Wisconsin.

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Yia is one of my favorite food content creators who is also Hmong.

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What Is Hmong Food? Chef Yia Vang Celebrates Hmong Culture Through Food

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An iconic Hmong meal: sausage, sticky rice, and hot sauce.

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Many Hmong people immigrated to America during the Vietnam War. My grandparents on my mother's side along with my father, his parents and siblings included.

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Sunisa "Suni" Lee is an American artistic gymnast. Lee is the 2020 Olympic all-around champion and uneven bars bronze medalist, the 2019 world championship silver medalist on the floor and bronze medalist on uneven bars. She is the first-ever Hmong-American Olympic gymnast and the first woman of Asian descent to win the Olympic all-around title in women's gymnastics.

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Megan Khang is an American professional golfer. She plays on the LPGA Tour and is the first player of Hmong descent to do so. Khang's parents were refugees from the Vietnam War from Laos and came to the United States with their respective families in the 1970s.

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Fue Lee is an Hmong-American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2016.

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Rep. Fue Lee (DFL-Mpls) member interview

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Chenning Xiong is an emerging Hmong-American artist who grew up in Portland.

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Chenning Xiong - Pab Tsis Tau (Official Music Video)

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The Hmong people live in moutianus regions, great for rice fields.

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How have economic systems affected you and your community in the context of social change? 

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How have economic systems affected you and your community in the context of social change? 

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The Hmong community, especially those who arrived in the U.S. as refugees after the Vietnam War, often faced difficulties in finding stable employment. Many Hmong people had to take low-wage jobs due to language barriers, lack of transferable skills, or limited formal education, affecting economic stability and upward mobility.

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How have institutions related to health and safety and the state affected you and your community in the context of social change? 

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How have institutions related to health and safety and the state affected you and your community in the context of social change? 

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Many Hmong refugees arriving in the United States after the Vietnam War had limited access to healthcare, largely due to language barriers, lack of insurance, and unfamiliarity with the U.S. healthcare system. This limited access often led to health disparities within the community, including higher rates of untreated chronic conditions and mental health issues.

Upon arrival in the U.S., many Hmong families relied on state welfare programs for support, including food assistance, housing, and healthcare. These programs were essential for the survival and initial integration of Hmong refugees, helping them establish a foothold in their new country.

The Hmong community's traditional beliefs about health and medicine sometimes clashed with Western medical practices. For example, traditional Hmong practices, such as shamanism, might not have been recognized or respected by mainstream healthcare providers. This cultural disconnect led to mistrust and reluctance to seek medical care, which affected overall health outcomes.

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How have social movements affected you and your community in the context of social change? Have members of your community been involved with social movements? How have they been influenced by or have helped create any social movements?

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How have social movements affected you and your community in the context of social change? Have members of your community been involved with social movements? How have they been influenced by or have helped create any social movements?

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The younger generation of Hmong Americans has been particularly active in social movements, often using social media as a platform for advocacy. Issues like racial justice, immigrant rights, and mental health have been prominent in youth-led movements. Social media has enabled Hmong youth to connect with broader social movements, share their experiences, and organize around issues important to them. This has amplified their voices and contributed to social change both within and outside the Hmong community.

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How has religion affected the Hmong community?

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How has religion affected the Hmong community?

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Religion has played a significant and multifaceted role in the Hmong community, influencing cultural practices, social structures, and the community's response to broader social changes. The impact of religion on the Hmong community can be understood through various aspects, including traditional spiritual beliefs, the influence of Christianity, and the role of religious institutions in community life.

Traditionally, the Hmong people practice a form of animism, where they believe in the existence of spirits in nature and ancestors. Shamanism is a central component of this belief system. Shamans, known as "Txiv Neeb," play a crucial role in mediating between the physical and spiritual worlds. They perform rituals to heal the sick, communicate with ancestors, and protect the community from malevolent spirits.

Over the past several decades, especially since the Hmong resettlement in the United States following the Vietnam War, there has been a significant rise in the number of Hmong Christians, particularly among Hmong in the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Christian missionaries have been active in Hmong communities, and many Hmong people have converted to Christianity, predominantly to Protestant denominations like Evangelicalism, as well as Catholicism.

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Social Change within the Hmong community:

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Social Change within the Hmong community:

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The Hmong community has actively participated in various social movements that address their unique challenges as refugees and immigrants. They have been involved in immigrant and refugee rights advocacy, pushing for better resettlement policies, family reunification, and educational equity through bilingual education programs. Politically, they have worked to increase voter participation and representation, electing Hmong officials and advocating for minority rights. The community has also engaged in racial justice movements, both in solidarity with other marginalized groups and in addressing anti-Asian racism. Additionally, Hmong efforts have focused on cultural preservation, mental health awareness, and religious freedom, ensuring the community's resilience and cultural continuity in the face of social change.