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 Blaying Vang
1.4and Mai Moua; and
1.5WHEREAS, he completed Lycée and served as a police officer in Long Cheng for two months in 1970 and
1.6later became a member of Special Guerrilla Units (SGU) where he served as the front infantryman from 1970 to 1975;
1.7and
1.8WHEREAS, Kangyee married his first wife, Xai Yang, in September 1974. Following Xai Yang's death,
1.9Kangyee married his current wife, Chia Xiong, in September 1979 at Ban Vinai Refugee Camp in Thailand. As a
1.10responsible father, he did his best raising eleven children, including six girls and five boys; and
1.11WHEREAS, Kangyee came to the United States as a refugee in December 1979 and lived in San Diego for
1.12three 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 volunteered
1.14with the SGU, Lao Veteran, and Lao Family organizations to better the Hmong community in the United States; and
1.15WHEREAS, Kangyee found his passion for public media in the late 1980s and volunteered with Hmong Media
1.16and Art Society, St. Paul Neighborhood Network, Minneapolis Television Network, Hmong Satellite TV, and Suab
1.17Hmong News; and
1.18WHEREAS, Kangyee became a proud United States citizen on August 21, 1991; and
1.19WHEREAS, Kangyee was recognized in 1995 by the NDC Community Television Public Access Channel 33
1.20for his exemplary coverage of Hmong community events and New Year celebrations; and
1.21WHEREAS, from 1995 to 1996, Kangyee volunteered as a production crew member on the renowned first
1.22Hmong-American weekly television program Kev Koom Siab (Path to Unity) on Twin Cities Public Television,
1.23produced by Foung Hawj prior to his service as a Minnesota state senator; and
1.24WHEREAS, Kangyee has volunteered thousands of hours, made personal sacrifices, and exhibited outstanding
1.25community spirit in his unwavering commitment in bringing important and relevant news to the community; and
1.26WHEREAS, Kangyee Vang is a trailblazer in Hmong news media, paving the way and mentoring many people
1.27in current Hmong media. He has been tireless in his advocacy and work to provide a platform for the voices of the
1.28Hmong community; and
1.29NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it commends Kangyee
1.30Vang for being a pioneer in Hmong news media and celebrates his legacy of dedication, enthusiasm, and outstanding
1.31public service to his community for over 35 years.
1.32BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an enrolled copy of
1.33this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the Chair of the Senate Rules and
1.34Administration 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