On the left - HMong Diaspora Series - Man, on the right - HMong Diaspora Series - Woman
HMong Diaspora Series - Man
“My father escaped with us to the Thailand refugee camp. Some of your uncles were soldiers, so they had their guns if we ran into any trouble. Even though he couldn’t see well, we were able to guide him safely through the jungle terrain. He got his eyes fixed while we lived in the refugee camp. He was so happy that he could see clearly again. Unfortunately, one day he got very sick, and by that morning he passed away. I was so sad that he did not get the chance to experience life in America…”
My parents' struggle for survival did not end when they left the refugee camp in Thailand. They had to brave the many challenges that came with living in a new land after they immigrated to the US, like learning a new language, getting an education, learning to drive, getting a job, a house, and the list goes on. But despite all they suffered, all that was lost and left behind, against all odds, they survived. They made a life for themselves as best as they could.
When I listen to the hardships that my dad has faced in his lifetime, I understand how privileged I am to likely never have to face such struggles. He has taken the brunt of it, so I may have the opportunity to live in prosperity.
This piece was made to commemorate the bravery and courage of the HMong who fought to survive and to remember those lost or left behind. Also, to honor the HMong men and women who served in the secret war as pilots, soldiers, nurses, and in other capacities. If not for their leadership and sacrifice, then we may not even be here today.
My hope is that our generation and future generations of HMong to come will carry on this legacy of bravery and courage, and seize every opportunity that our HMong ancestors fought for us to have.
HMong Diaspora Series - Woman
"After the US soldiers abandoned the HMong people, we fled. We traveled with a large group of relatives, bringing only what could be carried on our backs. Your dad also carried a bag of rice, while I carried salt and dried meats. I was three months pregnant with your oldest sister at the time. Your grandpa had cataracts, but he followed our voices as we escaped through the jungle terrain..."
If that isn’t resilience, then I am not sure what is. As I listened to my mom’s stories, I was and am still amazed by how much they endured.
This piece is to acknowledge the resiliency of our HMong people, especially the women. I can see it in my mother. She has passed down that resiliency to my sisters. We can see it in our HMong women today as they pursue careers, work, and make moves to contribute to society, and better themselves and the life of their families. I believe we will keep seeing great things from our HMong women.
Process
Sketch, Vectorize, laser cut, paint, and assemble.
