Recently, I have noticed an increase in the number of Hmong magazines, and Asian publications, in general. Where once there was one or two magazines at the specialty Asian stores or Hmong cultural events, today the options seem to grow exponentially. Noticeably, a lot of them look like replicas of existing mainstream magazines. The influence of Western culture seems so pervasive that the only obvious difference is that all the models posing in the latest fashions on the glossy pages of these magazines are of Asian descent.

As the editor, and creator of 18XEEM, a cultural Hmong magazine, my goal is to preserve our culture, our people, and to document our achievements through language and art, so that it can continue to exist, when we all cease to exist. I hope that you all will help support this magazine so that it can continue to grow, and to reach more individuals; so that not only can they learn about a culture, through reading, but that those who were once a part of this culture, will also remember their history and their heritage, and their humble roots.

Secondly, my goal was to showcase a beautiful and unique people, who, too often, are portrayed negatively in the mainstream media. Who, too often, is also mistaken, unknown, quiet, and unprivileged because of a language or cultural barrier. No one should be the main author of our culture and our people more than ourselves.

18XEEM is meant to be shared and given to those who know least, and I hope that when you finish reading, that you will pass it on to a friend, or a co-worker.

In this issue, we are celebrating the Hmong around the world, and although we could not cover every country, we hope that this will give you an idea of how far the distance separates us from each other, yet how close we still are, in our language and our clothing.

This is something that is so unique to the Hmong, and I hope it will inspire you to seek for more answers that we may not have covered. Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us and to those who we will meet along the way.

HELLO. NYOB ZOO.

Something exciting happens everyday. Today, you just happened to pick up the latest magazine. It just happens to be called 18XEEM. You ask yourself, ‘What is it? What does it mean, who created it?’ And I say, ‘Finally, the work has almost paid off.’ Until you decide to get the next issue in the future –the work is still in progress. Today we are proud to celebrate the Hmong Culture.

Today we are proud to be Hmong. Hmong-Americans. Whatever you want to call it. We all came from the same tree right? In the end, what matters is that we will remember who we are when the world has changed completely.

So incase you pick this up and you still don’t know what it’s about (because most likely you will have never even heard of the term: Hmong), today is your lucky day –and I, along with the thousands of others like myself, thank you, for asking.

Our first issue ever begins with a legendary story about the Hmong who conquered modern-day China, who failed, and tried again, only to be persecuted again and again, even today. But we’ve grown to be strong, with our culture, our art, our music, our education, our knowledge, and our children, through our hardships.

Find out why Delicious Venom is no ordinary rap group, like the ones that always seem to rap about sex and drugs. Flip the pages to compare how Hmong New Year Festivals have evolved over the years, in big states like Michigan, and quiet towns like Akron. Read about a girl named Nida, who is extraordinary and down-to-earth like the sister or cousin you know. Feel the emotion and effort that Kao Lee put into her beautiful paintings, and hear the rhythm of the Qeej. See how Hmong clothing styles have changed through the years and learn the rules to wearing it. Read about the experiences of the Hmong, and how one poet transcribes it into a few graceful lines.

As you turn to each page, I encourage you to dive into the rich history and culture of the Hmong. (Click here to preview the layout of the magazine)

“XEEM” XYOOJ