INTRODUCTION TO THE HMONG CULTURE WITH BILLY LOR OF HEY BILLY
We have partnered up with Billy Lor of "Hey Billy" to bring an introductory course into the Hmong Culture at a discounted rate to our Sacramento County Residents!
Curriculum Content
Hmong New Year Traditions
Hmong Funeral Customs
Traditional Hmong Practices and more!
Tub Ntxawg Billy Lauj (he/they/nws) is a Master Hmoob shaman with over a decade of experience in holistic healing and cultural consulting. Billy has performed hundreds of ceremonies throughout the United States and assisted HMoob communities in France, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Billy has keynoted and given numerous workshops on Hmong Shamanism, cultural practices, and cultural competency. He sat on multiple advisory boards and consulted on films about Hmong culture and beliefs. In addition, he teaches Hmong culture classes and is a content creator on his social media platform called “Hey Billy” where he educates on Hmong traumas, culture, art, and spirituality. In their free time, Billy enjoys rigorous hikes, attending music events, and going on food ventures.
Overview: As a Hmong organization, one of our goals is to connect our younger generation to our cultures, traditions, and customs. Often times, these customs aren’t taught nor are they something that can be easily learned with the language barrier we face today. Sacramento is no exception, and with the need and request from our community, we wanted to find an instructor who would fit perfectly and understand the challenges of generational gaps. Billy has been an exceptional instructor with sharing his knowledge on Hmong traditions, personal experiences, and developing easy to follow curriculum that allowed our participants to ask questions and explore their identity more. HYPU would like to Thank Billy once again for leading this class. With high and popular demand, we will be bringing Billy back later this year to host another class so stay tunes and subscribed to our email listing to hear when you can sign up for the next class.
Words From Billy . . .
“As our journey exploring Hmong culture and traditions comes to an end, I am filled with deep reflection on the profound impacts we have made together. When I first embarked on teaching these classes, my motivations were rooted in a genuine fear that the next generation might not have a culture to claim as their own. My goal was to preserve our cherished practices while also working towards reforming them to be more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable.
I want to express my immense pride in each and every one of you. Witnessing your growth, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication to learning has been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have embraced the challenges and complexities inherent in Hmong culture and social issues, and through this shared exploration, we have emerged as more informed and empowered individuals, gaining a deeper understanding of our practices and beliefs.
Throughout our time together, we have embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring new perspectives, questioning long-held assumptions, and fostering critical thinking. My sincere hope is that the knowledge you have acquired in this class will serve as a solid foundation for your future endeavors. May it ignite an unquenchable curiosity within you, fuel your passion for our culture, and equip you with the necessary tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Hmong practices and beliefs.
I implore you to carry forward a sense of mindful inquiry and an awareness of power dynamics within our culture. It is essential that we consistently challenge our own perspectives and expand our understanding of Hmong practices. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a profound depth of cultural appreciation beyond our own limited vision.
As you venture forth, I encourage you to embrace your roles as catalysts for positive change. Continually explore, challenge, and reshape our traditions to make them more inclusive, resilient, and relevant in the world we inhabit today. The work we have started here is only the beginning, and it rests upon each and every one of you to carry it forward and ensure the preservation and evolution of our culture.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your active participation, insightful contributions, and your willingness to embrace change. It is through your dedication and passion that we have created a transformative learning environment that will continue to impact the Hmong community and beyond. I also want to acknowledge the immense wisdom and knowledge that you have shared with one another, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding throughout our discussions and activities.
As we bid farewell, I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you in your future endeavors. May you continue to explore, learn, and make a positive impact within the Hmong community and society at large. Remember, the preservation and evolution of our culture lie within your capable hands.”
With deep respect and admiration,
Billy,