Kaying Xiong, 33, Eau Claire, Wis. is featured in a photos from “Portraits of Hmong Women.”

Lives of Hmong Women will be Subject of Exhibit 

Photographs and stories of Hmong women will go on exhibit at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.  The show is called “Portraits of Hmong Women.”  It opens April 21 and will run until May 4.  The show is free. 

The exhibit highlights the lives of Hmong women from Thailand and Laos, now living in Wisconsin.  These women all withstood great difficulties. Yet their story is largely untold.  Although there are many Hmong women and men living in the United States, most Americans do not know much about their culture or history.

History books do not tell the Hmong story

Two Wisconsin women, Kou Van and Christa Xiong worked to bring the project to life.  Vang began the project when she discovered that few history books told the stories of Hmong women.   Many of these women escaped communism and abuse. 

One such tragic story is from Xia Lee of Appleton.  She says “As we were swimming and being shot at (by communists), I heard my middle daughter crying, ‘My mother, father, help me!’ She became separated from the group.  I could not see her; she was too far back. I couldn’t do anything.”

Part of the exhibit traveled from California to Minnesota.  Van hopes to publish these tales of bravery.  Opening night, Cardinal Stritch will host a panel discussion with four of the participants.

Call 414-410-4171 for exhibit details.