Fresno City Councilmember Brandon Vang expresses gratitude to children from Balderas Elementary, a Hmong Dual Immersion school in his district, for their performance during his first AAPI Celebration at Fresno City Hall. Vang says that the Hmong story in the Central Valley is now about power, equity, and the fight to be included at every level of society.
The Hmong community has made significant progress in 50 years, from refugee camps to elected office. Brandon Vang’s election as a Fresno City Councilmember marks this milestone. He is the second Hmong person elected to the city council, following Blong Xiong’s trailblazing victory in 2007. For Vang, the seat carries history and represents how far the Hmong community has traveled.
Vang’s win also indicates how Hmong are rising to prominent leadership roles throughout the Valley. The city of Merced now boasts two Hmong members of its city council – District 6 City Councilman Fue Xiong and Yang Pao Thao, who was recently appointed to represent District 2. This shift in power is about more than just representation; it’s about power, equity, and the fight for inclusion.
The Hmong story is no longer centered on survival but now focuses on power, equity, and being included at every level of American society. Young leaders are stepping into politics, education, and business. Elders watch with pride and caution.
Women in the Hmong community are driving this change. Bouasvanh Lor, executive director of Hmong Culture Camps, spoke about cultural expectations placed on Hmong women and how those pressures have shaped their resilience and accomplishments. Women are taking on leadership roles, and they’re not alone; men are also stepping up.
The future depends on the youth, and preparation is key. Vang believes in investing in our youth to make them competitive in the job market. Blong Xiong agrees that representation is crucial for the community’s growth.
As the Hmong story moves into its next chapter, Dr. Chai Charles Moau sees the first generation’s influence alive in the young people stepping forward. The community must choose how to build on this foundation, and the next 50 years will rest on their decisions.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2025/12/17/after-50-years-of-struggle-valleys-hmong-community-charts-a-new-path-forward