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Honoring the legacy and service of Shongleng Yang and proclaiming May 31, 2025, as Shongleng Yang Day in the City of Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS, Shongleng Yang was born in 1959, in Xiangkhuang Province, Laos, and experienced the harsh realities of war and displacement during the fall of Long Tieng in 1975, becoming a refugee in his own homeland; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Yang and his family fled political persecution under the new communist regime, embarking on a dangerous journey to Thailand in 1978, and later finding refuge and political asylum in the United States in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Yang settled in Minnesota in 1986, beginning his path of leadership, community service, and economic development, first working as a chef at the Cheeping Chinese Restaurant and later establishing the first Hmong-owned home health care business in Minnesota in 1995; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, Mr. Yang co-founded the Hmong Village Shopping Center with his business partner Paul Vang, creating a vital cultural and economic center in the heart of St. Paul, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and strengthening community bonds; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, Mr. Yang co-founded the Hmong Committee of 100, a national organization committed to advancing Hmong leadership, economic development, and political engagement across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Yang has committed his life to serving the Hmong community through active participation in organizations such as the Hmong American New Year, Yang Wang Meng Association of Minnesota, United Yang Family Organization, Neighborhood Development Center, and Frogtown Action Alliance; and
WHEREAS, his leadership, dedication, and contributions have significantly impacted the economic vitality and cultural heritage of St. Paul, inspiring future generations to build and uplift their communities; now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby recognizes and honors Shongleng Yang for his exceptional contri...
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