Board members of Hmong Living in Unity and Balance. Photo by Brandon Kwateng

The Hmong Living In Unity and Balance Organization (HLUB) hosted their annual “Hmong Heritage Night” on March 29. Held in the Kirby Ballroom, this celebration was meant to celebrate and promote the Hmong culture to the University of Minnesota Duluth and the Duluth community.

HLUB was founded in 2014 by Jay Vang, Tay Xiong and a few others. The club's goal is to promote, preserve and advance the Hmong culture and heritage in a variety of ways at UMD and in the greater Duluth community.

Hmong fashion show performance. Photo by Brandon Kwateng

Kathy Vang, UMD senior and president of HLUB stated,“Hmong Heritage Night is meant to be a space where Hmong students could feel a sense of belonging—a place to celebrate our culture, connect with other cultures, and share our stories. It’s our way of bringing the community together through music, performances, guest speakers and of course food!”
The idea came from the HLUB Summer 2024 Eboard Retreat where they came up with this year’s theme, “Los Hais Hmoob Ua Ke”. This translates to “Come Say Hmong Together”. It was chosen to celebrate and preserve the Hmong language.

HLUB founder Lucky Jay Vang shared with current members how the purpose of creating the organization was to provide a second family. This event is supposed to be a reflection of that vision.

The event was catered by UMD Dining. The food included jasmine rice, glass noodles with beef, chicken, sweet pork, sesame chicken wings, red thai coconut curry and sesame balls. Photo by Brandon Kwateng

“Our goal was to have fun and get our message across to everyone from diverse cultural backgrounds, generations, schools, communities, and identities to come together to simply be present and enjoy each other’s presence,” Vang said.

The night started with an exciting dance performance led by the HLUB board members which led to a variety of more performances.

Performances included a fashion show to highlight Hmong clothing and accessories, Nraug Paj Quee playing the Hmong bamboo instrument, Alivia Lor performing a Hmong dragon dance, and a performance by local twin cities Hmong artist Nancy Thor aka Newsong.

Performance by Nraug Paj Qeej playing the Hmong Bamboo Instrument. Photo by Brandon Kwateng

Vang thought the event was amazing. She was grateful for all the student performers who volunteered in decorating, backstage help and checking people in at the door.

“I think we did a great job showcasing Hmong instruments and dancing. Our little group of boys called “Nraug Paj Qeej” that played the Hmong bamboo instrument was an absolute crowd favorite at our event this year. One of the biggest topics of conversation in the Hmong community within America is how our cultural practices, traditions, and language are dying,” Vang said. “I think that our guests, especially our older generation of Hmong attendees, were happy to see the young boys perform.”

“Hmong Living in Unity and Balance’s events are for everyone! Whether you’re Hmong or just curious to learn more, we would love for you to join us!” Vang said.

Anyone who is interested in Hmong Living In Unity and Balance can follow them on facebook @HLUB: Hmong Living In Unity and Balance or instagram @umdhlub.

Hmong Living In Unity and Balance Hosts Annual Hmong Heritage Night