Music

It is the first opera to include lyrics in the Dakota language.

I want the women who watch my performance to know that no matter what the situation is, there is always someone who is going through the same thing as you, somewhere.

To me, Hmonglish is part of a revolution that keeps music evolving.

Right now, I am feeling a need to be more in a survival mode, to help my family, with knowledge passed down.

In these stories, community is as much about seeing oneself represented as it is finding a connection with others.

We now believe that others believe in us. Believing in ourselves is another story.

After my first performance, the tightness around my heart began to release. I realized life is not about being trapped in fear.

It is comforting to look on stage and see people who look like you playing music that has been deemed unconventional for Black artists to play.

“Finding music really made me feel part of the world.”

Turning to song in times of uncertainty is nothing new; music has provided a sense of belonging since early human evolution.

We found commonality in our experiences, and were able to speak to hurdles that are hard to articulate.

I spent countless hours wandering the music section of the library, searching for clues, a little inspiration, and a quiet distraction from my impending deadlines.