Hmong Poetry (Paj Huam Hmoob): Learn and Preserve (Kawm thiab khaws cia)

ABOUT:

This open, educational and immersive event invites and encourage community members to learn and explore the rich culture and tradition of Hmong poetry (paj huam Hmoob) and to connect with Hmong poets. In addition, this gathering will be open to a 45 minutes time frame for community members to share their poetry and creative works. This event will be a recognition and celebration of languages, cultural preservation, and storytelling—a space where community members gather to listen to each other's stories and poetry—speaking from the heart and voices. A space to feel empowered and be empowering.

MEET THE POET:

Ratsamee Lee (she/her) is a poet from St. Paul, Minnesota, who is bilingual and Hmong American. She followed her father's passion for art by illustrating their creative side and composing poetry. Her poetic journey started in April 2022 when she gave her first performance at Marshall, Minnesota's WorldFest, a gathering of students and community members who gathered to exhibit diversity and their cultures, including Hmong students and Hmong culture. She has since performed her poetry at social events and cultural events such as International Galas, Minnesota Hmong New Year 2024/2025, Southwest Minnesota Hmong New Year 2023/2024, and was a guest speaker for Augsburg University's Hmong Language class.

Three of her poems have been published in journals and creative storytelling competitions, such as the 2023 Telling Women's Stories anthology and 2024 Perceptions journal held by Southwest Minnesota State University. She writes her poems in Hmong and translates it into English, exploring the language of communicating from the heart and spirit, as well as connecting two languages. Every poem she has written also conveys a deeper message, ranging from social justice to Hmong history and culture. She writes poetry and conveys it in ways that allow stories to be spoken, lessons to be shared, and culture to be preserved. Through her poetry, she hopes to maintain the beauty of Hmong culture, promote social justice, and bring family and community members together to share stories.