History of the Hmong in Fresno, California facts for kids

The Hmong are a large group of people living in Fresno, California. The Hmong community in Fresno is one of the biggest in the United States, similar to the one in Minneapolis/St. Paul. By 1993, the Hmong were the largest Southeast Asian group in Fresno. In 2010, about 24,328 Hmong people lived in Fresno, making up almost 5% of the city's population.

History of Hmong in Fresno

In 1977, there was only one Hmong family in Fresno. This number grew quickly. By 1978, there were four families, and by 1979, there were five. In 1980, about 2,000 Hmong people lived in Fresno. This number jumped to 7,000 in 1981 and 12,000 in 1982. By 1989, there were around 26,000 Hmong residents. In 1993, the Hmong population in Fresno reached about 35,000 people.

Many Hmong families who came to Fresno lived in public housing. They often received public support. It was hard for them to find farm work because they needed more technical skills. They also needed to improve their English skills. About half of the Hmong who arrived in the 1980s hoped to work in farming. However, fewer people were interested after they arrived. They also did not have enough money to move again.

Hmong Community Demographics

Around 2013, a writer named Mai M. Na Lee noted something important. She wrote that Hmong people in Fresno faced more poverty than Hmong communities in other places.

Fun and Celebrations

The Hmong New Year is a very special event celebrated in Fresno. These celebrations happen outdoors. Together, they form the largest Hmong New Year celebration in the entire United States.

Hmong New Year Events

As of 2013, there were two main Hmong New Year celebrations in Fresno. One is called the Hmong International New Year. It takes place at the Fresno Fairgrounds. The other celebration is held at Calwa Park in southeast Fresno.

Hmong International New Year

Colonel Youa True Vang started the Hmong International New Year. This event attracts about 100,000 people every year. It is a huge gathering for the Hmong community.

Calwa Park Celebration

The United Hmong Council organizes the celebration at Calwa Park. This event does not charge an entry fee. In 2013, about 1,500 people attended the UMC celebration. To avoid conflicts, other cities often schedule their Hmong New Year events on different days than Fresno's.

Hmong Music Festival

The Hmong Music Festival (HMF) is another popular event. It is celebrated every year in Fresno. This festival brings together Hmong music and culture.

Hmong Businesses

As of 2013, Fresno had many Hmong-owned businesses. There were ten Hmong supermarkets. Other businesses included places that help with money, farms, and video rental stores. Hmong people also owned medical offices, ranches, and insurance companies. Some even ran chiropractic clinics.

Famous Hmong Residents

Fresno has been home to several well-known Hmong individuals.

• Vang Pao was a famous general. His wife, May Song Vang, became a very important person in the Hmong community after he passed away in 2011.
  • A school in the Fresno Unified School District is named after Vang Pao. It is called Vang Pao Elementary School.
  • During the Hmong New Year in 2013, a statue of Vang Pao was put up at the Fresno Fairgrounds. This statue is about 6 feet (183 cm) tall. It weighs over 1,000 pounds (454 kg). A smaller statue was first dedicated in 2011. The new, larger statue was made by Monster City Studios in Fresno.

• Wangyee Vang is a national leader. He founded and leads the Fresno-based Lao Veterans of America Institute. He also used to be the President of the Lao Veterans of America. This is the largest group for Lao and Hmong-American veterans in the country. Wangyee Vang helped create the Laos Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. This monument honors Lao and Hmong-American veterans. It also honors their American advisors who helped the United States during the Vietnam War.

• Bee Vang is an actor. He appeared in the movie Gran Torino.

• Blong Xiong was a city council member for Fresno. He served from 2007 to 2015.