Hmong Americans in the Twin Cities face a fragile future amid racial tensions
The Twin Cities have long stood as a beacon of Hmong American culture and multiculturalism in the Midwest. But recent years have brought deep challenges, reshaping the sense of belonging for many in the community. From racial justice movements to political threats, the area now reflects a nation wrestling with its identity.
The 2008 film Gran Torino once offered a vision of reconciliation, inspired by the Twin Cities themselves. Yet today, the reality for Hmong Americans and other Asian-descended communities feels far more fragile, marked by violence, activism, and an uncertain future.
The murder of George Floyd in 2020 sparked widespread racial justice protests in Minneapolis. These events led to stronger police reform efforts and new opportunities for communities of colour to unite. Hmong Americans, alongside other Asian-descended groups, gained political visibility through organising and local government initiatives.
But this period also brought a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. Many in the Hmong community faced increased discrimination, even as they worked to secure resources for racial equity. The tension deepened when President Trump considered invoking the Insurrection Act after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in south Minneapolis. The threat left Hmong Americans and others feeling their place in the country was even more precarious.
The Twin Cities have a long history of violence against Hmong, Lao, Karen, and Cambodian communities. These struggles continue to shape daily life, from shuttered businesses in once-thriving neighbourhoods to the lingering fear of exclusion. The author, revisiting streets from their youth, found familiar landmarks replaced by emptiness—a stark reminder of how much has changed.
Gran Torino, written by Nick Schenk and inspired by the Twin Cities, became a box-office hit for its portrayal of a post-race America. The film's story of Walt Kowalski's transformation resonated with white audiences, who saw it as a model for personal and collective change. Yet for many Hmong Americans, the promise of reconciliation still feels distant, overshadowed by ongoing struggles for safety and acceptance.
The Twin Cities remain a cultural hub for Hmong Americans, but recent events have tested their sense of security. From political threats to racial violence, the community faces reminders of how fragile belonging can be. Meanwhile, the ideals of unity seen in films like Gran Torino serve as a reminder of what many still hope to achieve—despite the challenges ahead.
