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Recognizing the 20th Annual Hmong National Development Conference, themed “We Rise, United”, and Celebrating 50 years of Hmong resilience, leadership, and impact in the United States.
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WHEREAS Hmong National Development which will hereafter be referred to as HND, was first organized in the 1990s by a visionary group of Hmong American leaders who sought to create a national platform for community-based organizations and advocates to better serve the most vulnerable in their communities, while establishing presence and visibility for Hmong Americans at the federal level in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS HND is a subsidiary of the Hmong American Partnership and carries a mission to empower the Hmong community to achieve prosperity through education, policy advocacy and leadership development; and
WHEREAS this mission and vision is accomplished through empowering individuals and organizations within the Hmong community through leadership development, advocacy, and capacity building, by providing technical assistance, training, and resources, to strengthen the capacity of Hmong-led nonprofits, enabling them to serve their communities more effectively and amplifying the voices of Hmong Americans, raising visibility and addressing key community issues at local, state, and national levels; and
WHEREAS we recognize and uplift the leadership of May yer Thao, President and CEO, and the HND Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS the 20th Hmong National Development Conference uplifts and commemorates the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement in the United State; and
WHEREAS we recognize the 20th year for the Hmong National Development Conference that brings together leaders, professionals, and community members to address critical issues such as economic empowerment, leadership development, and cultural preservation; and
WHEREAS this conference provides a dynamic lineup of speakers, workshops, and cultural activities that aims to foster collaboration, strengthen advocacy efforts, and inspire future generations of Hmong Americans; and
WHEREAS the 20th HND Conference also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement in the United States, honoring the legacy of resilience, sacrifice, and leadership that has shaped five decades of Hmong American experience; and
WHEREAS the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the evacuation of General Vang Pao and thousands of Hmong families from Long Cheng, Laos-a pivotal moment that led to the arrival of Hmong refugees in the U.S. following their alliance with American forces during the Secret War in Laos; and
WHEREAS over 327,000 Hmong people now live across the United States, with large and thriving communities in California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, among others; and
WHEREAS Minnesota is home to the second-largest Hmong population in the nation, and the City of Saint Paul holds the distinction of having the largest urban Hmong population in the country, with over 80,000 Hmong American residents who call the city home; and
WHEREAS Hmong refugees and their descendants came to the United States seeking safety, freedom, and opportunity-building new lives while carrying forward their rich cultural heritage, community values, and deep commitment to family and education; and
WHEREAS generations of Hmong Americans have helped shape the cultural, academic, social, political, and economic fabric of Saint Paul, strengthening the city through their contributions, entrepreneurship, public service, and civic leadership; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul and Saint Paul City Council proudly recognizes and celebrates the 20th Annual Hmong National Development Conference and the 50th Anniversary of Hmong Resettlement in the United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Saint Paul and Saint Paul City Council honors the ongoing contributions of Hmong Americans to our city and reaffirm our commitment to supporting equity, inclusion, and prosperity for all.