2011: A Year In Review
Hmong Pages would like to take this opportunity to reflect and review our most controversial, surprising, and informative news stories in the past year. We’ve had triumphs, trials, and tribulations, and we are still standing strong. The Hmong love to share their stories—and why not? If we have been wronged, or we need support, what better way to raise awareness of our community and its needs than to share personal stories with people who are excited to share it?
In January, Lao Family Community of Minnesota officially voted for a new person to become their new Executive Director. After long local campaigns and setting up a democratic voting system, in which voters needed to specially register in order to cast votes at private voting booths, controversy arose when the election was over. Some claim there wasn’t enough of a voter turnout to have given each candidate a fair shot, not to mention the terrible snowstorm that had struck, which hindered possible voters from coming out. Some say that when they showed up to vote, they were turned away. Some claim that the ballots were rigged, not counted on time, and that candidates purposely used manipulative tactics to ensure victory. After a court-ruled hearing, a decision was made in October the rightful winner of the election was ChuPheng Lee, leading to the dramatic ousting of former Executive Director of Lao Family Dr. Sai Long Yang.
In February, we mourned the loss of our of our greatest leaders, General Vang Pao. Hmong Pages took the time to aptly eulogize the life of Vang Pao, from his military triumphs, to the everyday life as seen through his closest confidantes, best friends, closest sons, and loving wife.
In March, there was much still abuzz about General Vang Pao’s funeral, but Hmong Pages found time to stress the benefits of early childhood education and nurturing. Piggybacking off of that idea came the uprising of some of the first Hmong/English children’s books. Kayla Yang-Best, a Hmong mother, began writing children’s books as a favor to her daughter. Yang-Best realized that there were no children’s books geared toward children who needed to learn about their Hmong culture, so she created them—some of the first of their kind.
In April, Hmong Pages learned and shared with you that the medical field was evolving: Hmong shamanism is now an accepted means of healing and healthcare by numerous California hospital’s standards. Shamans were invited to take a 40-hour course in gaining knowledge of common western medicinal practices, but also to attune the western practitioners with their eastern healing practices as well. Many hospitals in California now offer shamans as a health alternative in comprehensive care, and Mercy Medical Center in Merced, California has implemented a set of shamans to work with patients who request them.
In May, we had a great triumph and a great step backwards: InProgress launched the second annual Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival, in which 
many Hmong filmmakers came out of the woodwork. From amateurs to feature-length film directors, the Hmong community made us proud in the art world with their emotion-provoking pieces, nostalgic beauty, and dedication to the movement of self-expression. It was also in May that we reported about the controversy of KDWB making racist remarks about the Hmong on-air.
In June, we reported on a prevalent controversial issue: international marriage. We recanted one woman’s tragic story about how she almost paid with her life after marrying a man she barely knew. Selena Lee was stabbed by her husband after over ten years in a troubling marriage. Allegations of money mismanagement and marital affairs blew open in this case, which reminds us all to be wary of who we trust. Marriage is truly a bond not to be taken lightly and in this case, both sides got a healthy dose of reality when they saw how quickly things escalated after both partners weren’t working together anymore to allow the marriage to prosper. An issue in the Hmong community, the woes can work both ways.
In July, Hmong Pages tackled another highly sensitive issue: alcohol, alcoholism, and its effect on the Hmong community. We reported about how much more prevalent excess drinking is at many Hmong social functions. It’s not just a problem that plagues the young anymore—more and more adults trying to reclaim the youth in their lives have been spotted binge drinking and have been feeling the peer pressure. In fact, many lives have been affected and ruined by this drug. Social events are no excuse to lose yourself and drink into oblivion—everything in moderation is key.
In August, there were more personal news stories to share with the world: one family told their story about how they were racially discriminated 
against by various government agencies in Caledonia, Wisconsin, after their special needs child was forcibly taken away from them for no reason. The family was hauled into court for criminal wrongdoing, but they were found innocent. The Xiong family is currently filing a suit against the Racine County Human Services Department.
In September, Hmong Pages updated the community about the various fraud and tax scams being pushed onto members of the elderly and disabled Hmong community. Minnesotans and Californians alike were victims of the scam known by the IRS as the “Making Work Pay” tax credit, or the elderly Social Security credit. The elderly and disabled were targeted on account of their vulnerability and need for extra money, but also due to their naiveté about current tactics of today to steal money. If anyone has been scammed, they are encouraged to report their incident to the IRS.
In October, Hmong Pages highlighted a technological advance quickly becoming a mainstream part of life: social networking. Hmong youth, tweens, teens, young adults, and even older generations are giving this international sensation a go, to try and enhance connections between people. However, there is a dangerous side to social networking if not used with discretion or parental supervision. The Hmong have been connected in numerous ways before now, but the online communities have evolved the Hmong community even more.
In November, Hmong New Year time is always upon us. With controversy over the dismissal of Lao Family’s Executive Director, straightening out the real from the rumors was our concentration. We confirmed that there was indeed going to be celebrating, despite the dramatic politics, and we also investigated the real reason behind there being two Hmong New Years in Minnesota. Both organizations are hopeful that politics can be set aside in favor of combining the celebrations into one again.
In December, we reported on the new winners and leaders from the Hmong New Year, but also felt the need to address flooding issues in Thailand. The Hmong are notorious for flying out to Thailand or Laos around this time of year, however, nature took its path and caused much flooding there, causing a global impact on the world, the economy, and the Hmong. Thailand, an international business hub, has seen worse days though, and with a thriving government dedicated to getting their nation back on its feet, Thai officials still encourage visitors from all over the world to explore their lands.
We hope you have found this year as enthralling as we have. We look forward to continuing printing your stories, making your voices heard, and reporting on the things that matter. As always, if you have news you are compelled to share, or know someone who has a great story, please let us know! Happy new year and be blessed.
By Elizabeth Thao
