Vang represents Hmong culture

Emily Vang, after she was crowned Miss Hmong, Oklahoma 2012 with her parents Nhia Chue Vang and Derx Vang. Submitted Photo The title may not be as prestigious as Miss U.S.A or even Miss Oklahoma, but for Emily Vang, of Marble City, the title of Miss Hmong Oklahoma 2012 is every bit as important. Vang was born in Wisconsin, but her parents Nhia Chue Vang and Derx Vang, came to the U.S. when the Hmong people lost their country during the Vietnam conflict. As Miss Hmong 2012, Vang is responsible for promoting her culture among other young Hmongs. “We don’t want to lose our culture,” Vang said. “I help with different events that bring the Hmong culture to public notice as well as keeping younger Hmong people connected to the people and land where they came from.” The Hmong people were a sub culture in Vietnam. Some moved to Laos or Cambodia during the conflict, others came to the United States when their country was taken over by the North Vietnamese armies. As Miss Hmong Oklahoma 2012, Vang attends special celebrations like Hmong New Year and mans a table at cultural fairs. “The title gives me the opportunity to be a role model for younger members of our culture. It shows other young people that they can be part of the United States and still maintain their Hmong culture,” she said. Vang is part of a small group of Hmong people living in the area. “We still speak our language. Many of the younger family members are losing that. Many of the elders want us to keep our language,” she said. Vang is a nursing student at Northeast State University in Tahlequah. She has four sisters and one brother and her family owns a chicken farm near Marble City. SOurce