09/06/2026
A little roundup from the International Hmong Labor Day Festival in Winnebago County. ā¤ļø
It was huge(!) and vibrant and joyful. The entire park was filled with incredible food, music, tradition, family, and community.
I was grateful to share a meal with Hmong community leaders and spend time listening to organizers, elected officials, and seeing fellow candidates. I also learned more about the Secret War in Laos, when Hmong soldiers fought alongside the United States: gathering intelligence, disrupting supply lines, and rescuing downed American pilots.
How many of us were ever taught that?
There is SO MUCH we donāt know about the people living, working, worshipping, and raising families right alongside us. Hmong Wisconsinites have contributed through military sacrifice, agriculture, business, education, public service, organizing, food, art, and culture.
Across race, class, party, and zip code, I still believe most of us want the same basic things: dignity, safety, opportunity, and a good life for our childrenā¦ But powerful people benefit when the majority of us are kept separated and suspicious of one another.
Days like this push back against that.
I didnāt leave pretending to understand an entire community because I attended one festival. I left knowing more than I did when I arrived, and I really want to keep listening.
Thank you to everyone who created such a beautiful celebration and welcomed us into it. Special gratitude to our future state treasurer Yee Leng Xiong and President and Chair Mee Cha Yang for her incredible work.
Wisconsin is stronger and richer because you are part of its story.
