https://www.britannica.com/topic/Karen-languages

The name "Karen" is an anglicized word that refers to the word "Kayin." Speculation surrounding the origins of this would be murky at best, however, some believe that it was a term of othering non-Buddhist individuals in the Myanmar region.

Like many different countries, Myanmar (and subsequently the Karen People) were forced and subjugated to British rule, which in turn, led to the introduction of Christianity to the region. However, in 1948 after the Japanese occupation during WWII, Myanmar was granted sovereign independence.

Politics:

Presidential Republic, however, the military took over the government in 2021, which then resulted in anti-coup protesters.

Religion: The Karen people practice Buddhism and Christianity as well as Animism. Animists believe in helpful female, guardian spirits called Ther Myng Khae, the “lord of land and water". Karens value religious diversity.

Literacy: Literacy varies by location - with low infrastructure there is low literacy rates

Family: Karen families are cross generational and men and women are seen as equal.

https://mnkaren.org/history-culture/karen-culture/religion/

KOM offers after-school youth development programs, social services, and programs to help Karens get jobs

• Karen Thai Food – 300 Larpenteur Ave E, Saint Paul, MN 55117

• Friends Café – 1711 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55113

• Asian Fusion Kitchen – 1700 Rice Street, Suite G, Saint Paul MN 55113

Grocery Stores

• Karen Groceries, Inc – 162 W Pennsylvania Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55103

• Shwe Karen Market & Deli – 230 Front Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55117

• Kwe Ka Baung Grocery – 1133 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55117

• Mae La Grocery, Inc – 1101 Rice St North, St Paul, MN 55117

  https://mnkaren.org/resources/karen-owned-businesses/

  
  

• Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota is a Karen-led nonprofit that focuses on preserving Karen art and culture through traditional dance and other performances.

• The Urban Village is a Karen and Karenni community space designed to cultivate connection, collaboration, and kinship both inside and outside its walls.

• The Karen Football Association (KFA) is based in the United States and is the official governing body of the Karen Women’s and Men’s National Soccer Teams. KFA aims to develop a program that unites the community’s passion for football with the importance of gender equity.

The precise origins of the Karen people are not well-known (few written records). However, they began to inhabit Burma (aka Myanmar) about 2000 years ago.

Throughout their history, they have faced persecution from the politically and culturally dominant Burmese, particularly during and after World War II.

The conflict and oppression the Karen experienced in Burma have operated as "push factors", and many Karen have fled to third countries, including the United States.