1.1A Senate resolution
1.2recognizing Kangyee Vang as a Hmong news media pioneer.
1.3WHEREAS, Kangyee Vang was born on March 5, 1951, in Phatib, Houaphan Province, Laos, to
1.4Blaying Vang and Mai Moua; and
1.5WHEREAS, he completed Lycée and served as a police officer in Long Cheng for two months in
1.61970 and later became a member of Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) where he served as the front infantryman
1.7from 1970 to 1971; and
1.8WHEREAS, Kangyee married his first wife, Xai Yang, in September 1974. Following Xai Yang's
1.9death, Kangyee married his current wife, Chia Xiong, in September 1979 at Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in
1.10Thailand. As a responsible father, he did his best raising ten children, including six girls and four boys; and
1.11WHEREAS, Kangyee came to the United States as a refugee in December 1979 and lived in San
1.12Diego for three months, where he worked as a lead in the laundromat industry; and
1.13WHEREAS, he moved to Minnesota in 1980 and was employed in assembly factory work and
1.14volunteered with the SGU, Lao Veteran, and Lao Family organizations to better the Hmong community in
1.15the United States; and
1.16WHEREAS, Kangyee found his passion for public media in the late 1980s and volunteered with
1.17Hmong Media and Art Society, St. Paul Neighborhood Network, Minneapolis Television Network, Hmong
1.18Satellite TV, and Suab Hmong News; and
1.19WHEREAS, Kangyee became a proud United States citizen on August 21, 1991; and
1.20WHEREAS, Kangyee was recognized in 1995 by the NDC Community Television Public Access
1.21Channel 33 for his exemplary coverage of Hmong community events and New Year celebrations; and
1.22WHEREAS, from 1995 to 1996, Kangyee volunteered as a production crew member on the renowned
1.23first Hmong-American weekly television program Kev Koom Siab (Path to Unity) on Twin Cities Public
1.24Television, produced by Foung Hawj prior to his service as a Minnesota state senator; and
1.25WHEREAS, Kangyee has volunteered thousands of hours, made personal sacrifices, and exhibited
1.26outstanding community spirit in his unwavering commitment in bringing important and relevant news to
1.27the community; and
1.28WHEREAS, Kangyee Vang is a trailblazer in Hmong news media, paving the way and mentoring
1.29many people in current Hmong media. He has been tireless in his advocacy and work to provide a platform
1.30for the voices of the Hmong community; and
1.31NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it commends
1.32Kangyee Vang for being a pioneer in Hmong news media and celebrates his legacy of dedication, enthusiasm,
1.33and outstanding public service to his community for over 35 years.
1.34BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an enrolled
1.35copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the Chair of the Senate
1.36Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Kangyee Vang.

Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate

Jeremy R. MillerChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Foung HawjState Senator, District 67