COVID-19 and its Impact on the Hmong Community

Podcast

In this episode, we talk about COVID-19 and its impact on the Hmong community. We share stories of encountering microaggressions in person and blatant racism on social media. We also touch on the way the U.S. government is handling this pandemic and how it perpetuates the distrust many Hmong people have about the American healthcare system. The stories that are shared in this episode are not only our own, but also the stories of many other Hmong people in the community including our parents, grandparents, cousins, and friends. I chose to address this topic because I think that as we share these stories with one another, we find that we aren’t alone. It also allows others to get a better understanding of our lives.


By Maixee Lee

18, Saint Paul, MN

Maixee Lee is a Hmong-American woman from Saint Paul, Minnesota. This past June, she started a podcast along with three of her friends called “Suck it Up.” It is a biweekly podcast that seeks to amplify the voices of Hmong women. In a society where Hmong women’s voices are often silenced, “Suck it Up” strives to provide a platform for their stories to be heard.

Stream more episodes:
linktr.ee.com/suckituppodcast

Instagram:
@suckituppodcast

Facebook:
facebook.com/suckituppodcast

Venmo:
@maixeelee1

Amplify Youth Voices: Youth Power Rising

This project is commissioned content for a digital campaign organized by Youthprise in partnership with Juxtaposition Arts, Brooklyn Bridge Alliance, and The SEAD Project. The campaign exists to value and amplify young folks: perspectives, creativity, and thought leadership. We are promoting youth voice as we believe there is wisdom and hope needed to address the dual pandemics of Racism and COVID-19 and their unique impacts on BIPOC communities in Minnesota. Learn more at: youthprise.org/youthpowerrising.