Hmong in Minnesota Written by Doctor Chia Youyee Vang

Hmong In Minnesota was a book written by Doctor Chia Youyee Vang. She writes about the Hmong Culture and reveals an important history of the Vietnam War that caused many Hmong families to escape their homeland of Laos. In addition, Vang also includes short stories from her ancestors who were unable to write about their experiences.

Before I started to read Hmong In Minnesota, my thoughts were, how interesting it was going to be, to read and learn about one's journey coming to America. Being Hmong myself, the only stories I ever heard were from my parents and they were remarkable. I wanted to compare the similarities and the difference between Vang and my parents story; however, after I completed reading the book, I realized it was more of a documentary about the Hmong Culture, rather then one's journey coming to America. More importantly, there were many reasons why I liked this book: the book was very informative, it was interesting, it was inspiring and it reminded me of my parents and families who had been in the same situation.

First, the book was informative in many ways. I came across a section regarding the Catholic Charities sponsored the first Hmong immigrants in Minnesota. Lee was one of the immigrants who stated, "Our sponsor helped us. Materially, we had everything, but our hearts were empty. I felt so little because I didn't know anything." (p.13) Despite him being isolated, his experience had provided a better understanding of what it was like to have a sponsor. I did not know that there were sponsors who were generously enough to organized and provide all needs for many Hmong families. Because these families had lost everything, I am grateful for those who donated money and had the time to provide shelter, clothes, and food for others. Another fact I learn was, in 1979, a group of liberal Hmong refugee women founded an organization called Women's Association of Hmong and Lao (WAHL) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gaoly Yang was the first Hmong women executive director. She states "We wanted a woman director to create programs that will empower Hmong women, so that they can learn other things that were not the priorities for the men" (p.34). Traditionally, Hmong women would have to full fill the commands of the Hmong men. This is because a Hmong man feels they have the higher commanders physically and mentally. The statement Yang made atomically caught my eyes. I strongly agree with what she said because I feel all men and women should have equal rights. All in all, the facts that Vang provided are