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.
March 31, 1995 - Midday presents a WCAL documentary from The Live of Children series, titled “A Good Hmong Girl.” Documentary explores Hmong girls and women adjusting to life in the United States during the 90s. Topics include struggle against traditional Hmong culture, abuse issues, and depression.
April 11, 1995 - MPR’s Benita Edwards reports on the needs of Hmong students in Minnesota schools. Many struggle with reading, writing, and speaking English. Various school programs and educators look to assist in the student’s development and success, but some parents question the long-term benefit of current ESL curriculum.
August 2, 1995 - MPR’s John Rabe visits the St. Paul Farmers Market and talks with Hmong farmers about their background, experiences, and strategies for farming in Minnesota.
August 5, 1996 - As part of the Voices of Minnesota series, MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Lee Pao Xiong, Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. Xiong discusses Hmong history, culture, and Hmong role in Vietnam War.
August 5, 1996 - As part of the Voices of Minnesota series, MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Lee Pao Xiong, Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans. Xiong discusses further incoming Hmong immigration, social services, clans in the Hmong culture, and Xiong’s viewpoint on the main problems facing Hmong community.
September 25, 1996 - As part of a series on immigrant voices regarding immigration and foreign policy, MPR’s John Rabe interviews Tou Ger Xiong, a Hmong comedian and entertainer.
October 17, 1996 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on growing political involvement in Hmong community. 20+ years after the first Hmong refugees arrived in Minnesota, Hmong voter ranks have grown steadily, and more are involved in politics than ever before.
October 18, 1996 - MPR’s Lorna Benson profiles Pua Xiong, a first-year resident who works at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul. Xiong describes how her quest for a medical degree has forced her to confront a multitude of cultural barriers.
March 24, 1997 - MPR’s Karen Louise Boothe reports that hundreds of people rallied at the State Capitol on behalf of a bill that would restore the cuts in benefits to legal immigrants in the new federal welfare reform law.
May 12, 1997 - MPR’s John Biewen profiles local composer Randall Davidson and the work of connecting artist with communities. For Davidson, that includes projects involving Hmong community and life stories of St. Paul public housing residents.