Hmong students celebrate culture
Joe Nguyen, staff writer
Feb. 27, 2006

Photo by Joe Nguyen Yang Chee, the former president of the Lao-Hmong American Coalition, speaks at the Hmong culture night in Boulder.

BOULDER – The Hmong Student Association of Colorado held their annual culture night on the University of Colorado campus Friday night.

The show took place in the Glenn Miller Ballroom inside the University Memorial Center. Entitled “Hmong: Where are we now?” the event showcased an assortment of performances done by students and members within the community.

Yang Chee, the former president of the Lao-Hmong American Coalition, was the featured guest speaker at the celebration. In his 52-minute speech, he discussed the history of the Hmong people and how they have progressed, naming a large number of accomplishments within the community.

Chee said he wanted the younger generation to integrate into American society, not assimilate.

Photo by Joe Nguyen Students from Broomfield High School perform a skit at the Hmong culture night in Boulder.

“Please do not assimilate,” he said. “If you assimilate, you forget your own people. You become somebody else.”

When asked about what he felt was the biggest obstacle in the next 30 years for the Hmong people, he said he’s concerned about the younger generation losing their culture and their language. Traditions are very important to keep.

The inside of the ballroom was decorated with many aspects from the Hmong culture and history. The walls were adorned with colorful ribbons and flags of countries where the Hmong had lived.

The show was done bilingually with each of the two emcees in charge of a language. Amesia Xiong, president of the HSA, spoke to the crowd in English while Pa Kou Xiong spoke in Hmong.

The Hmong Student Association of Colorado's official site: http://www.hmongstudent.org/

Joe Nguyen is a staff writer for asiaXpress.com. You can reach Joe at joe@asiaxpress.com.