Enchanted Necklace

About the Book

A once remote mountain people of Southeast Asia, many Hmong are now settled in parts of the US, mainly Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, and the Blue Ridge area of North Carolina. They were resettled by our government following the Vietnam conflict in the 1970s. Through ENCHANTED NECKLACE, they share a little known fact of their history the meaning behind a unique piece of their ethnic jewelry. This rich meaning serves not only the Hmong people but can also awaken generational memory among us as well. We have only to tap our deep history to learn about our own people's important stories. The story of ENCHANTED NECKLACE begins as a casual, contemporary tale and ends profoundly – a story for you and me, and for all humankind.

About the Author

Jewell Reinhart Coburn, Ph.D., LHD, LLD, (affectionately known as Dr. Julie), award-winning author and authority on intercultural communication, has established educational programs world-wide. She fosters networking potential among representatives from education, business, and government, and seeks to advance understanding and cooperation among cultures. Dr. Julie has lived in southeast Asia, East Africa, and Europe. She has worked with youth and adults and contributes actively to advancing the appreciation of values directly related to improving the human condition. Dr. Julie is the mother of four young professionals, who, as youngsters, trekked with her the far reaches of the globe, coming to know many new friends, listening to their legends and folktales, and their unique, personal stories. Mai Kou Xiong, an educator for 17 years, first came to the states when she was eight years old. She settled in Santa Barbara, CA, and later moved to MN where she is a TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) working with K-12 immersion programs for the St. Paul Public Schools. Mai Kou's teaching career has taken her to various parts of Southeast Asia. She co-hosts a Hmong talk show, Xav Paub Xav Pom with 3Hmoob TV, and reports on critical issues and events that affect the Hmong community. Mai Kou is also a staff writer for the Hmong Times newspaper. Her children's book, MELODY OF THE QEEJ is available through MN Humanities department. Mai Kou holds a teaching license with a BA in Social Sciences, and an MA in Education with a K-12 reading endorse license. ILLUSTRATOR Ma Ly is a French painter and art instructor, largely self-taught. Born in Laos, of Hmong origin, he relocated after the Vietnam War to France where he lived for 32 years. In 2008, he settled in Fresno, CA where he currently owns and manages Colligo Studio, an art studio and gallery. Ma Ly's award-winning paintings have been displayed in local venues, including Fresno City Hall, Fresno water tower, and African American Historical & Cultural Museum of San Joaquin Valley, CA. In 2011, he completed a life size posthumous portrait of General Vang Pao that was displayed at his memorial service held at the Fresno Convention Center.