ILEAN HER 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HMONG ELDER CENTER

What makes the North End unique is just really the people. I think it’s the starting place for a lot of new Americans. I know that when the Hmong community first came here we loved this street. We loved Rice St. Along the way more Asian businesses opened up and that made the community feel comfortable. So now a lot of my Hmong elders comment when they see the Karen community. So to me the North End is unique because It’s really the starting place for anyone who wants to build a life here in the city.

VOICES OF THE NORTH END is dedicated to raising the visibility of North End residents and community goers.  Over the past few years In Progress interviewed and photographed individuals and families that consider the neighborhood their home. In Progress worked in partnership with the City of Saint Paul to identify residents willing to share their stories about what they appreciate most about the neighborhood.

VOICES OF THE NORTH END is sponsored by the Knight Foundation and Saint Paul Foundation