The Rise of Hmong Minnesotan Political Power and Civic Engagement
The Rise of Hmong Minnesotan Political Power and Civic Engagement
Join us for a celebration of voice, victory, and vision.
XIA Books and Minnesota Asian Ameriican Film Festival present a special evening celebrating the rise of Hmong Minnesotans in politics. Join current Hmong elected officials for a powerful discussion on leadership that has turned the Twin Cities into the epicenter of Hmong political power in the United States. From Choua Lee, the first Hmong elected to public office in the United States in 1991, to Mee Moua and Cy Thao in 2002, a foundation paved the way for a new generation of leaders, culminating in the historic 2025 election of Kaohly Her as the first Hmong American mayor of St. Paul.
Panelist of Hmong elected officials invited:
- Mayor-Elect Kaohly Her
- State Senator Foung Hawj
- State Senator Susan Pha
- Representative Fue Lee
- State Representative Jay Xiong
- City Councilmember Nelsie Yang
The panel discussion will be moderated by community leader Pakou Hang.
Come join the discussion, hear the stories, meet the changemakers, and look forward to the future. The event will include a screening of the documentary "The Time is Right for Mee" (2002). Produced by State Senator Foung Hawj, the film provides an intimate look at the grassroots mobilization that led to the historic election of the first Hmong American to the state legislature, Mee Moua.
- Date: December 19, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: XIA Books & Café, 422 University Ave W #14, Saint Paul
- RSVP: Limited seating. Register and reserve your seat.
Film Screening
We are proud to present a screening of "The Time is Right for Mee" (2002), the documentary that captures the energy of Mee Moua’s historic 2002 campaign. Produced by current State Senator Foung Hawj, the film offers an intimate look at the grassroots mobilization that made history.
Following the film, join us for a Q&A with current Hmong elected officials as they discuss the power, impact, and legacy of Hmong political power and the future of our democracy.
A Legacy of Leadership
The rise of Hmong elected officials in Minnesota is an American story of transformation and rapid civic ascent that serves as a model for the nation. It began in 1991 when Choua Lee shattered barriers as the first Hmong American elected to public office in the United States, winning a seat on the St. Paul School Board. The momentum surged in 2002 when Mee Moua became the nation's first Hmong American state legislator, winning a seat in the Minnesota Senate, while Cy Thao won a seat in the Minnesota House later that same year. This foundation paved the way for a new generation of leaders, culminating in the historic 2025 election of Kaohly Her as the first Hmong American mayor of St. Paul. Today, Minnesota stands as a beacon of representation, home to the highest concentration of Hmong elected officials in the country.
NOTICE: This event is educational in nature and is a nonpartisan activity. It is supported by the Minnesota Asian American Film Festival (www.maaff.com), XIA Books, and Aeda (www.aedamn.org), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.