Reclaiming cultural identity and language through hip hop | Tou SaiK Lee | TEDxMinneapolis

For generations, the Hmong people have embraced storytelling as a way of connecting original generations and youth. In this enriching talk, spoken word and hip hop artist Tou SaiK Lee merges poetry with history to teach about valuing cultural identity and shares how his coming-of-age experience provided a sense of belonging within his community. This talk was filmed on August 7, 2021 at La Doña Cervecería in Minneapolis. The music video for Diaspora Cypher was filmed at HAFA Hmong American Farmers Association on July 27, 2021, featuring a mural by artist Christina Sayaovong Vang with Ua Si Creative. Diaspora Cypher was written and performed by Tou SaiKo Lee from the album Unified Worldwide; Beat produced by Komeng; Mixed and Mastered by Emblem Beats. A celebrated 2016 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow, Tou SaiK Lee is a renowned Hmong hip hop and spoken word artist that uses lyrical poetry to revitalize his culture’s legacy. For the last 15 years, he has enriched the lives of generations through artist residencies at K-12 schools and other educational centers. Additionally, Lee’s passion for connection and engagement has further inspired him to develop the Unified Creative Learning (UCL) arts curriculum based on his songs. Not only has his musical craft served as a personal refuge and inspiration for Lee, the impact of his talent has also been recognized in several documentaries. With every line of poetry chanted, Lee preserves the legacy of his culture and strengthens the ties that bind youth and elders together within the Hmong community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx