Fall marks a season of uniquely American traditions – football, hay rides, Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Schools often observe of few of the customs.
At the Hmong American Peace Academy, the mission is to immerse kids in both their Hmong and American heritages. This time of year, the school celebrates some American traditions with its annual “Fall Family Festival.”
It’s a Saturday, and about 50 kids are in the cafeteria, circled around a DJ.
“Who knows how to do the Hokey Pokey?” the DJ asks, to squeals and cheers from the crowd around him.
In case you’re not familiar, the “Hokey Pokey” is a folk song from the 1940s, with lyrics that dictate the dance moves – right foot in, left foot out. Kids follow the prompts -- some are dressed in costume, a nod to upcoming Halloween.
Because on this particular afternoon, appreciating American tradition is what it’s all about.
“We’re doing all of this to introduce our families to the American culture, so that they can be both bilingual and bicultural,” says HAPA’s executive director, Chris Her-Xiong.
Her-Xiong started the school 12 years ago, to serve Milwaukee’s Hmong community. A key part of that mission, is cultural exchange through events like today’s festival.
“We feel very strongly that when we address the social aspect of our school culture here, that we have a well-rounded group of students and families,” Her-Xiong adds.
As many American traditions do, this festival begins, with food. Booths scattered throughout the school’s hallways boast of caramel apples, root beer floats and the ever-popular hot dog.
In between bites, kids and parents can roam to different rooms to try fall-themed activities, like carving pumpkins. In a small gym, little ones paddle gourds back and forth with spoons, trying to win relay races.
About 95 percent of HAPA students identify as Hmong. But most were raised in America, so today’s activities are not necessarily new to them.
But, parent Linda Song-Thao says she likes when the school hosts events like this, because they help her kids appreciate the different cultures they inhabit.
“You would think that they’re coming to this school here to learn the American culture, but with my kids at least, they’re here to learn the Hmong culture,” she says. “I like the diversity of the school. They don’t leave one and forget the other, they bring them together, and it’s great. It’s a great opportunity for the kids to learn that.”
Sixteen-year-old student Fantasia Vang has attended the fall festival every year since it began. She says it allows her and her friends to express their own identities.
“It helps us all be together and accept who you are, and accept you are hmong,” Vang explains. “Many people are probably insecure about the background. You’re trying to fit in somewhere. But here, we’re all family, so basically we can all fit in.”
HAPA director Chris Her-Xiong smiles as she greets the people who’ve come to celebrate the fall festival. As a Hmong refugee herself, Her-Xiong knows how important it is for many of her school families, to feel a sense of belonging in Milwaukee.
“We feel if we give these opportunities to our families, they’re in the better position to work and live the mainstream life, that they can be functioning in both cultures, in both worlds. But more importantly, that they are proud of who they are,” she says.
In December, HAPA will host a “Hmong new year celebration.” That event will turn the tables, so American teachers and neighbors get the chance to learn about Hmong food, dress and holiday traditions.