
Special promotional content provided by Madison College.
Madison College will celebrate Hmong culture next month with its fourth annual Hmong New Year celebration. In addition, the college will continue its innovative Hmong Studies class next spring, providing a rare opportunity to explore Hmong history, culture, and identity in an academic setting.
A Celebration of Hmong New Year at Madison College
The Hmong New Year celebration will take place on Saturday, December 7, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Goodman South Campus on South Park Street. Angela Yang, Community Impact Coordinator for Madison College, shared the event’s mission to foster community connections and visibility for Hmong students and culture.
“I think the biggest piece is to create that sense of belonging for our students, showing that, hey, we are here. We’re visible,” Yang said.
This year’s event promises to be lively and inclusive, featuring a mix of performances, food, and activities for all ages. The schedule includes:
- Performances by Hmong artists and competitive dance groups, most of them from Minnesota, with a special collaboration among performers during the show.
- A community talent show inviting local talent to take the stage.
- A children’s area with family-friendly activities and book readings of Hmong stories for various age groups.
- Food and merchandise vendors, showcasing local Hmong-owned businesses.
- Representation from nonprofit organizations, offering resources and engagement opportunities for the community.
Yang highlighted the intimate and welcoming nature of the celebration, especially compared to larger Hmong New Year events, like the community celebration held each year at the Alliant Energy Center.
“I think (we create) that kind of environment where it’s intimate, but also bridging that relationship to say Madison College is not just an institution, but we’re part of the community,” she said.
The event also serves as an important platform for local Hmong businesses. “This is a space for them to say, ‘We’re here, we’re visible, and we’re thriving,’” Yang said. She emphasized the impact of showcasing Hmong talent and culture in a way that’s accessible and celebratory.
The Significance of Hmong New Year
Hmong New Year is traditionally celebrated over several months, with events happening in cities and towns across the U.S. It’s a season for gathering, reflecting, and celebrating cultural heritage. Madison College’s celebration is distinct in its focus on the local community and its role in creating visibility for Hmong students.
Continuing Hmong Studies at Madison College
Beyond the celebration, Madison College is also making strides in education on Hmong culture. The college will offer its second Hmong Studies class in spring 2025. This unique course was developed in response to student surveys and partnerships with UW-Madison’s Asian American Studies Program. It’s currently supported by a three-year grant and represents a significant step in preserving and promoting Hmong history and culture in higher education.
Yang, who has participated in the class as both a staff member and student, described it as a transformative experience.
“It was very enlightening to be able to take a class about my history, about my people,” she said. “And the crazy thing for me was that I could connect to everything we were talking about.”
The course explores a wide range of topics, including migration, religion, cycles of life, and the intersection of personal and cultural identity. It’s designed for anyone interested in Hmong history and culture – you don’t even have to be enrolled in a Madison College program to enroll in the course. Discussions on how to make the course transferable to UW-Madison are ongoing, Yang said.
Looking Ahead
Madison College continues to strengthen its connections with the Hmong community through events like the Hmong New Year celebration and academic offerings such as the Hmong Studies class. These initiatives not only honor Hmong culture but also provide opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement.
Yang emphasized the broader impact of these efforts: “I think it comes back to that piece of recognizing that we are here to stay, but our history also needs to be known.”