Posted 4:24 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025
UWL Appreciating Hmong Heritage Month
By Mala Lor
Hmong Heritage Month is celebrated every April as a remembrance of the Hmong people’s blood, sweat, and tears shed in the Secret War. It recognizes their dedication, sacrifice, and service to America’s history. The Hmong people fought alongside America in the Secret War, yet after the war, they were abandoned on the land where their sisters and brothers were killed. After many years, Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin and co-founder of Hmong Heritage Month, officially signed the proclamation to honor the power of diversity and the Hmong people’s contribution to society.
According to the United States Census 2023, the population of Hmong Americans is 337,925 and continues to grow. This growth has contributed to a shift in Hmong culture. Some families chose to remain traditional, while others have modernized as they adapt to life in America. However, the preservation of cultural learning remains a backbone of Hmong identity across the states. For example, in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers a Hmong & Hmong American Certificate and has established UWL HOPE to educate students about Hmong culture. This initiative bridges the gap between tradition and modernization, cultivating pride in their heritage. Additionally, the La Crosse County Historical Society has partnered with Dr. Vincent Her and student Yia Vue from UW-La Crosse to promote a new exhibit titled "Embroidered Narratives: The Hmong Journey through Story Cloths Exhibition" in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement in the United States. The exhibit will run from April 3rd to June 29th at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center and features 18 story cloths that highlight various narratives of Hmong and Hmong Americans, including resettlement, the Secret War, and daily life in the Laos mountains.
In addition to visiting the exhibit at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center, you can stop by Murphy Library to explore the new book display: Hmong Heritage Month. This book display aims to educate students and inspire young Hmong authors, and supporting these books significantly advocates for Hmong Heritage Month and Hmong voices!
Discover Hmong-related resources curated by Mala Lor here.
Readers of various ages recommend “The Rock in My Throat” by Kao Kalia Vang. The children’s picture book uses the rock in the throat as a metaphor of silencing individuals of different cultural backgrounds. It further brings attention to societal mistreatment of minority groups, which discourages younger generations from understanding how their culture influences their self-identification. The story is a heartbreaking yet empowering reflection of Vang’s childhood, one that many can relate to. After reading Vang’s author note, it’s incredible to see how she has learned to appreciate her past and use it as an asset to face challenges with empathy and patience, conveying a powerful message for Hmong Heritage Month.