hmong-mina

Hmong History and Cultural Studies

Gathering at City Council in Chico for community unveiling of General Vang Pao’s statue in 2015 taken by Ger Thao.

Community Action Plan

HSS 12.2.4, RI.11-12.7, W.11-12.7

Hmong people’s participation in US politics is one way they have made the United States a home for them. Students will learn about the meaning of civic engagement and social action and why it is important to be civically engaged as a responsible community member. They will discuss what civic engagement and social actions look like and begin to identify possible issues that they care about in the (Hmong) community. Students will research and collect data to learn more about their issue and work to find a solution to their issue through producing a social action plan.

Child embracing parent

Intergenerational Trauma and Healing

RI.8.1, SL.7.1, RI.9-10.1, W.9-10.4, SL.9-10.1, W.6.8

Students will be able to analyze and articulate how Hmong American history has influenced and contributed to intergenerational trauma within the Hmong community, and they will critically examine the long-term impacts on successive generations. Students will also be able to identify how the Hmong community has engaged in healing practices as a response to coping with the trauma and make connections with present-day society and their own lives in a Socratic Seminar discussion.

Hmong LGBTQ Shades of Yellow organization at Twin Cities Pride Parade 2011.

Being Queer and Hmong

HSS 11.10, RI.11-12.7, SL.11-12.1

Students will learn about various LGBTQ+ Hmong American experiences, intersectionalities of their identities, and legislation against LGBTQ+ communities in the United States by analyzing various resources and creating a video reflection.

Green papaya salad “quab” is a staple dish in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Photo credit: Ger Thao, 2022.

Sharing Food Stories

HSS 4.4, HSS 4.4.4, RI.4.7, HSS 10.9, RI.9-10.7, W.9-10.9

Students will be able to trace and identify the origins of Hmong cuisine and community hubs in the United States through an exploration of diverse sources. They will connect these elements to the refugee experience and express their understanding by creating a personalized lunch box identity collage.

Profile image of Hmong American artist Boonma Yang.

Hmong American Artists

RI.6.3, 6.MA:CR1, 6.MA:RE7, 6.VA:CN11, 6.VA:CR2.1

This lesson will feature Hmong American artist, Boon Ma Yang, and the stories behind his paintings. Students will gain an understanding of how artists, such as Boon Ma, can highlight experiences of Hmong American identity and issues. Students will also learn how artists use art to build a sense of belonging and to empower the community.

"Hmong critical in Wisconsin electoral politics in the 2020 election. "

Hmong in American Political Power

HSS 12.6, RI.11-12.7, W.11-12.2, L.11-12.6

After examining public opinion and demographics discussed in textbooks, students will examine data related to Hmong American communities by: (1) Drawing inferences to ideological learnings and partisanship and connect this to US electoral politics; (2) Learning about the close margins in current electoral politics and the impact of the Hmong vote in a battleground state, such as Wisconsin; and (3) Examining how congressional district demographics impact constituent services by examining HR 8110.

2016 Mai Yang Vang elected to Sacramento City Unified; Steve Ly elected as Mayor of Elk Grove; and Brandon Vang elected to Sanger School Board. Photo Credit Lance Lee given to Txhawb Magazine for "A New Chapter - Hmong in Poltics" article.

Civic Engagement and Empowerment

HSS 12.2.4, RI.11-12.7, W.11-12.4

Students will learn that Hmong people have settled in the United States in large numbers, primarily in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. With the highest population of Hmong descent in California, this lesson focuses on the civic engagement and empowerment of Hmong communities. Students will explore examples of how the Hmong community in California have found their voice and made history in politics.