Bo Thao-Urabe:
Well, I think it’s a community that is maybe not always thought about because it’s both small, spread out, and also it’s a community that doesn’t have things written in history, right, because it’s an oral culture.
And so stories that we know about our ancestors are passed down through generations by mouth. And that means that it’s really up to all of us to carry that forward. And I am so grateful for Suni for really embracing all of who she is and to always say that she is Hmong and that she carries that with her.
And that is, I think, so — that’s what makes her so special, because, sometimes, our young people don’t always understand and don’t know that story. But I see her, and she is proud to say she is Hmong American, and she carries that story, the story of her parents and her ancestors.
And that has given everybody so much just inspiration and support. So, grateful for seeing her have this big win, and it’s a big win for all of us, but for her to have this moment is so special, yes.