ABOUT THIS COLLECTION
The past two years have been tough. COVID-19 disrupted everyone’s lives including Hmong families. There has been so much loss and trauma within the Hmong community affecting physical and mental health. Stories emerged of Asian hate where Asian Americans were physically and verbally abused. Many Hmong felt scared and anxious. However, the community came together to support and empower one another by lifting each other’s voices, marching in unity, and taking action. The Digital Zine captures stories told through words, art and video of Hmong American experiences during the pandemic.
Digital Zine Preview
A short film by Skye Lee to spread awareness and #stopasianhate.
A short film titled “Lug Txaj Ncu Hluas Nkauj by Tou Long Xiong.
An artwork titled, “Hmask Up.” “With this piece, I wanted it to be about how many Hmong New Year events were canceled (or made virtual) as a safety precaution to protect our communities and prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
A personal narrative titled “Tally Marks” by Krystal Kazi. “You remember trying to fit in with all the Hmong kids at the tiny charter school you attended from second to fifth grade. You remember wanting to curl into a ball and slowly, but surely wither away when they were having a conversation in a language that is your own but hasn’t laid its claim on you. That was the first time you ever marked a tally in the back of your mind, collecting the moments you wished you weren’t you.”
A poem titled, “Covid Cocoon” by Asia Moua.
“Choose your friend or choose us
Even though it’s the pandemic
Marry him now or give it up
Patriarchy is endemic”
“Choose your friend or choose us
Even though it’s the pandemic
Marry him now or give it up
Patriarchy is endemic”
Untitled
2022
11” x 14”
Acrylic on wood panel
“As a child, I watched my mother create flower cloth. I would copy the designs, and patterns onto paper with crayons and colored pencils.”
2022
11” x 14”
Acrylic on wood panel
“As a child, I watched my mother create flower cloth. I would copy the designs, and patterns onto paper with crayons and colored pencils.”
Meet the Digital Zine's Artist and Writers
Artist, writers and filmmakers featured in the Digital Zine but not pictured: Asia Moua, Chee Vang, Eli Vang, Kassi Moua, M Tsab, Savanna Thao, and Yuepheng Xiong
Meet the Staff
Joshua Yang, Virtual Reading Video Producer
Joshua Yang is a Hmong filmmaker, who currently lives in Menomonie WI, working as a part time video editing freelancer. Yang spends his time learning, writing and editing short films and dreams of directing and producing his own feature film.
Bob Xiong, Digital Zine Designer
Bob Xiong is a Graphic Designer graduate from San Diego State University, California. He loves working with graphics, animation, and illustrations. Most of his design experience comes from working with garments, printing, and in teams, which he enjoys very much.
Instagram | Website
Donors, Sponsors and Partners
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Thank you to all of our donors, sponsors and partners. We cannot do it without your support!
