fy24 annual report - Flipbook - Page 11
Since the creation of the emergency grant line,
United We Stand
NEH convened all humanities councils to share how
they were using “United We Stand: Connecting through
Culture” funding to develop resources to foster cultural
understanding, empathy, and resilience in response to
domestic extremism and hate-based violence. The
NEH convening in Oklahoma City included tours of the
Alfred P. Murrah Oklahoma City Bombing Museum
and First Americans Museum.
MHC shared how United We Stand funds were used to
assist educators and community leaders to deepen their
understanding of our civil rights history and how Minnesotans
responded to domestic extremism in the 1960s.
Legacy Emergency Response Grant
Influenced by the United We Stand program grant and the
actions of community groups to respond to tragedy involving
a local high school, MHC worked with Minnesota legislators
to create the first ever Minnesota Legacy Emergency
Response grant opportunity. An Emergency Response
grant is meant to:
Support urgent community needs
Assist communities responding to crisis or major events
Facilitate the process of grieving, create memorials,
or encourage healing and recovery within community
MHC has distributed
$100,000 to help
our communities
through times of
crisis, including one
in memory of Hmong
American activist
and community leader
Tou Ger Xiong.
Tou Ger Xiong
On December 11, 2023, Tou Ger Xiong was kidnapped and brutally
murdered while vacationing in Columbia. His death was reported
on by national media and sent shockwaves throughout Minnesota
and across the county. Xiong dedicated his life to building bridges
across cultures, speaking out against injustices, and advocating
for civil engagement in marginalized communities. He was an
activist, a friend to many, and a comedian who shared light and
laughter with everyone who knew him.
The Legacy Emergency Response grant provided an opportunity
for Xiong’s family to have a public memorial service to remember,
celebrate, and to share Tou Ger’s life and legacy through stories,
music, videos, and memorabilia. The public vigil was attended
- in person and virtually - by thousands of friends, loved ones,
community members, elected officials, and dignitaries to pay their
respects and mourn the loss of one of Minnesota’s heroes.
Thank you to the Minnesota Legislators for your vision
and commitment to the people of our great state.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
11
