Nhia Yang Oral History

Nhia Yang Oral History

B-boying/B-girling (Dance)

Hmong people

Wizards (Crew)

Born in 1982 as the youngest son of Vietnam War refugees, 35 year old Nhia Yang retells his story of growing up in Fresno, California's hip-hop dance scene. Yang recalls relocating often throughout his childhood and he first came into contact with Fresno's breaking scene in the 1990s. Yang describes the dynamics within the b-boy crew, his relationship with his family members, and creating spaces throughout the community. Due to the fact his family moved around frequently, Yang describes the ways in which being part of the Wizards Crew provided a sense of stability, allowed him to create lasting friendships, and kept him connected to the larger Hmong culture and community in Fresno. For many young Hmong b-boys in the 90s, break dancing provided an alternative to gang life in an increasingly violent climate. For Yang specifically, it allowed him to express his artistic abilities and gain confidence and discipline, all of which transcended the checkered linoleum and carried over to his everyday life.

Oral history interview, 1 digitized recording, Straight Outta Fresno, Fresno State University

Digital publisher: Claremont Graduate University

The Valley Public History Initiative: Preserving our Stories holds all rights, title, and interest, including literary rights and copyright, to the oral histories and documents collected as part of Straight Outta Fresno: From Popping to B-boys and B-girls project. Oral history narrators retain the non-exclusive right to copy, use, and publish their oral histories during their lifetimes.

MP3

English

Sound

sof_0055

Fresno (Calif.)