CAM-Scholar Group

18/10/2025

🙏 Greetings & Invitation ជម្រាបសួរ សូមគោរពអញ្ជើញចុះឈ្មោះចូលរួមតាមការគួរ

Keep investing in our community បន្តវិនិយោគនៅក្នុងសហគមន៍របស់យើង!

- The Coconut Shell Dance Class For Children ថ្នាក់បណ្តុះបណ្តាល របាំ គោះត្រឡោក សម្រាប់កុមារ។

Please find the flyer attached for its details. សូមមើលខិត្តប័ណ្ណ (Flyer) ដែលភ្ជាប់មកជាមួយសម្រាប់ព័ត៌មានបន្ថែម។

Please help to circulate (share) this information widely as possible.

សូមជួយចែកចាយព័ត៌មានកម្មវិធីនេះអោយបានទូលាយតាមដែលអាចធ្វើបាន ។

Thank you in advance អរគុណទុកជាមុន 🙏

Organized by រៀបចំឡើងដោយ ៖

Mera Dance Troupe

A prosperous community/society is the welfare and happiness of all citizens!

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ទោះបីនៅទីណាក៏ដោយ យើងនៅតែបង្ហាញអំពីអត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរជានិច្ចដរាប ពីព្រោះយើងមានពូជពង្ស និងឈាមជ័រជាខ្មែរ។

“វប្បធម៌រល់ត់ ជាតិរលាយ វប្បធម៌ពណ្ណរាយ ជាតិថ្កើងថ្កាន»។

អក្សរ និងភាសាជាអត្តសញ្ញាណជាតិ ហើយនិងវប្បធម៌ជាដួងព្រលឹង!

Together, we can build a stronger community rooted in love, respect, and cultural pride!

We are proud of who we are, our own identity, culture and rich heritage!

Never Forget Our Roots, Preserve and Uplift Our Roots No Matter What!

Don’t be shy to show your identity, likewise no matter what, don’t forget your native language, and roots!

Don't be shy to SHOW, SHARE & SHINE, ចូរកុំមានការខ្មាសអៀនចំពោះការបង្ហាញពី សមត្ថភាព ទេពកោសល្យ សិល្បៈវប្បធម៌ និងអត្តសញ្ញាណរបស់ខ្លួនទោះបីនៅទីណាក៏ដោយ!

Always adhere with Dream & Hope with Smile តែងតែមាន សុបិន និងក្តីសង្ឃឹមជាមួយស្នាមញញឹមជានិច្ច!

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We are proud of who we are, our own identity, culture and rich heritage!

សាវតារខ្មែរ Khmer Glorious History, Song:

១- ខ្មែរអើយចូរចាំជាក់ថា តាមសាវតារ ជាតិខេមរាធ្លាប់តែថ្កើង ទឹកដីខ្មែរធំទូលំទូលាយ សព្វសាយរុងរឿង គេឯងតែងលើក ដំកើងដំកល់ជាតិយើង ចាត់ទុកឡើងជាជាតិច្បង។

២- អារ្យធម៌ខ្ពង់ខ្ពស់ឆើតឆាយ បានចេញផ្សាព្វផ្សាយ គ្រប់ទិសទាំងឡាយចុងបូព៌ា សាសនាសិល្បៈ ចម្លាក់វិចិត្រ គំនិតសិក្សា តន្រ្តី-ទស្សនវិជ្ជា យុទ្ធសាស្រ្តជាគោល-
ការណ៍ខ្មែរផ្សាយទៅ។

៣- ខ្មែរអើយចូរស្ដាប់សាវតារ ដែលបានចរចា បញ្ជាក់ប្រាប់ថា ពូជខ្មែរថ្កើង តាំងចិត្តឲ្យធំ ខិតខំប្រឹងវិញ បញ្ចេញដំកើង តម្លៃនៃជាតិយើង ឱ្យបានរុងរឿង ជាថ្មីឡើងតាមសាវតារ៕

“ចប់”

Khmer Glorious History, Song
(Transliterated Version):

1 – Khmer evy, jo-jaim-jeak tha
tam sa-vada jeat Khemara t’loap te t’kerng, toekdei Khmer thom, Tulum-tuleey, sopsai, rung-roeung, ke-eng, teng lerkdomkerng, domkal jeet yerng,
jatt tuk-lerng jea jeet j’bong.

2 – Ari-yeak-thor, kpung kpuos chherth-chhay, banjenh psop-psai, krup teus teang lai, jong bopeer, sassna selapak, jomlak vijet, kumnith seksa,
dontrei, tea-sanak-vichea, yutasas jea-kaul-ka Khmer psai tov.

3 – Khmer evy, josdab savadar, delban jorja, banjeak prapbtha pouch Khmer tkeurng, taing jet oay thom, khet-khom proeng vinh, banjenh domkerng, domlai nei jeat yeurng, oayban rung-roeung, jeer thmei lerng, tam savada.

- The End -

🥥Join MDT for the coconut shell dance class by register with the QR code in the flyer:

🥥សូមអញ្ជើញចូលរួមហាត់រៀនថ្នាក់របាំត្រឡោក ជាមួយក្រុមសិល្បៈមេរា ដោយគ្រាន់តែចុះឈ្មោះតាមលេខកូដ QR នៅលើខិត្តប័ណ្ណ៖

📅 Every Saturdays, start from Nov 01, 2025
រៀងរាល់ ថ្ងៃសៅរ៍ ចាប់ពីថ្ងៃទី១ ខែវិច្ឆិកា ឆ្នាំ២០២៥

⏰ 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
ម៉ោង ១ កន្លះ ដល់ ៣ កន្លះរសៀល

📌 Wat Buddhamangala វត្តពុទ្ធមង្គល- 2400 Linden Ave, Long Beach CA 90806

If you have any questions, please contact us ប្រសិនបើមានសំណួរ សូមទាក់ទងមកក្រុមការងារតាមរយ:លេខ៖ 562-353-8788

Note: For children
សំគាល់៖ សម្រាប់កុមារ
_________________________

Our Mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share the beauty, grace, and spirit of Khmer traditional dance in the United States and beyond. Mera Dance Troupe is dedicated to empowering the next generation through cultural education, artistic excellence, and community engagement, honoring the soul of Cambodia while inspiring unity, pride, and resilience among the Cambodian diaspora.

បេសកកម្មរបស់យើងគឺ ដើម្បីថែរក្សាអភិរក្ស អបអរសាទរ និងចែករំលែកសិល្បៈ ព្រមទាំងស្មារតីដ៏អស្ចារ្យនៃរបាំប្រពៃណីខ្មែរ នៅសហរដ្ឋអាមេរិក និងនៅទូទាំងពិភពលោក។ ក្រុមសិល្បៈមេរា​ ស្ម័គ្រចិត្តបណ្តុះបណ្តាលក្មេងជំនាន់ក្រោយ តាមរយៈការអប់រំវប្បធម៌ ការសំដែងសិល្បៈដ៏ឆ្នើម និងការចូលរួមជាមួយសហគមន៍ ដើម្បីគោរពដួងព្រលឹងជាតិខ្មែរ និងជំរុញឲ្យមានសាមគ្គីភាព មោទនភាព និងភាពធន់ក្នុងសហគមន៍ខ្មែរនៅក្រៅប្រទេស។

18/10/2025

ទោះបីនៅទីណាក៏ដោយ យើងនៅតែបង្ហាញអំពីអត្តសញ្ញាណខ្មែរជានិច្ចដរាប ពីព្រោះយើងមានពូជពង្ស និងឈាមជ័រជាខ្មែរ។

“វប្បធម៌រល់ត់ ជាតិរលាយ វប្បធម៌ពណ្ណរាយ ជាតិថ្កើងថ្កាន»។

អក្សរ និងភាសាជាអត្តសញ្ញាណជាតិ ហើយនិងវប្បធម៌ជាដួងព្រលឹង!

The roots and beauty of native language!

Your native language connects you to your roots. Never forget where you come from, and always take pride in your heritage!

In general, native language we speak, the stories we tell, and the songs we sing in our native tongue are not merely tools of communication; they are the very threads that weave the tapestry of our identity. Similarly, language is more than just a means of communication; it's a living repository of history, and culture. For example, immigrants and their descendants, native languages serve as a tangible link to their ancestral homelands. The sounds, rhythms, and nuances of their mother tongue evoke memories, traditions, and values passed down through generations. As we well aware, the power of native language, it is a bridge across generations, and allows us to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, to honor their sacrifices, and to carry their legacy forward.

Specifically, Cambodian-Americans keep learning Khmer language, it's a journey into the heart of Cambodian culture, a rediscovery of stories, songs, poets and proverbs that shape Khmer heritage. On the other hand, to avoid losing their identity, as well as allow them to navigate the complexities of modern life with greater clarity and empathy. By embracing their heritage and identity, they not only honor the past but also empower themselves to navigate the complexities of the present and shape a more inclusive future. For instance, Khmer class in Long Beach helps Cambodian-Americans get in touch with their Roots.

As one of Cambodian-Americans live in Long Beach, I am very proud of the rich culture and literature. Khmer language is not just a means of communication; it is a living testament to my ancestors’ struggles, triumphs, legacy and dreams. Each word spoken in Khmer is infused with the wisdom of generations and a profound connection to my history and identity. Most importantly, I’m one of Khmer Instructors that engaging in teaching Khmer classes here in Long Beach is much more than sharing knowledge; it is an opportunity to unlock the stories of my past and embrace the values are brought to life today. In my classroom, the ancient language of Khmer is not just taught; it is celebrated. It is a portal to a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a community bound by shared experiences, knowledge and storytellings through the traditions of ancestors, and the resilience of Cambodian people have been gone through countless hardships. By teaching Khmer class, I am actively participating in the preservation of my identity and encouraging others in my community to embrace theirs as well.

My own journey has taught me the invaluable lesson that to forget native language is to risk severing ties with the very essence of who I am and where I come from, and also my ancestors and the vibrant culture. Additionally, the loss of native language is the first step toward losing identity!

I urge everyone, never forget where you come from. In contrast, keep up embracing your native language, cherish your heritage, and share it. Let it be a source of strength, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring power of your roots. Take pride in who you are, for in your heritage lies a unique and beautiful story waiting to be told.

Again, native language stands as a powerful anchor, a bridge connecting us to our heritage and reminding us of who we are, especially, keeping alive the essence of our cultural heritage. For instance, when we speak Khmer, we honor our ancestors and create a bridge to the younger people of our community, instilling in them a sense of pride and identity.

Moreover, pride in our Khmer rich heritage is not merely an acknowledgment of our origins, but a celebration of who we are and where we originally from. It fuels our resilience in the face of adversity and inspires us to share the beauty of our Khmer culture and towards the world. Whether through music, arts, or traditional performances, every expression of our Khmer heritage serves as a reminder of our Angkor era.

Let’s take pride in our stories and share them with others, fostering understanding and respect across generations. Let’s continue to share, learn, engage, and uplift one another, ensuring that our Khmer rich heritage thrives for generations to come. The native language is also a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and pride with the followings:

- Our native language serves as a bridge to our roots.
- Our native language is a powerful tool that connects us to our past and shapes our future.
- Our native tongue binds us to generations before us, reminding us of their struggles, resilience, and traditions.

As aforesaid, Khmer class in Long Beach helps Cambodian-Americans get in touch with their Roots. Because it represents a conscious effort to preserve and revitalize Cambodian culture amidst the challenges of assimilation. The class provides a safe space for Cambodian-Americans to connect with their language, history, and traditions. Likewise, Khmer, learners gain a deeper understanding of their cultural identity, fostering a sense of belonging, history, legacy and pride, and also the class serve as a bridge between generations, allowing younger Cambodian-Americans to connect with their elders and learn about their family's history.

Last but not least, let’s join hands together in standing firm in our commitment to our roots. By celebrating our native language, we celebrate our unique history and the vibrant cultures that have shaped us today and moved on to the future.

As we move forward, never forget the importance of passing on our native language to the next generation. Encouraging our children to learn and speak our language connects them to their heritage, instilling in them a sense of pride and responsibility towards their cultural identity. Be in mind that, when we speak our native language, we don’t just communicate, we keep our ancestors’ voices alive. We carry their dreams, their wisdom, and their strength into the present. Taking pride in our heritage means more than remembering, it means passing that pride to the next generations.

In the end, to those learning, teaching, and preserving their native language: you are protecting a vital part of your identity. Never forget where you come from, and never underestimate the power of language to keep that connection alive. Let’s continually uplift and celebrate and protect this gift, taking pride in our heritage and inspiring towards the world.

Together, we can build a stronger community rooted in love, respect, and cultural pride!

We are proud of who we are, our own identity, culture and rich heritage!

Never Forget Our Roots, Preserve and Uplift Our Roots No Matter What!

Don’t be shy to show your identity, likewise no matter what, don’t forget your native language, and roots!

“We must preserve our own Khmer language, so our young children will continue to have their own Khmer identity, their own culture and be proud of their own rich heritage from the glorious past. Please don't be ashamed to be Khmer! We have very Deep Roots in Khmer civilization. Please make an effort to teach your children to know who they are and where they came from through leaning our Khmer Language.”

- Mrs. Chan Hopson.

Don't be shy to SHOW, SHARE & SHINE, ចូរកុំមានការខ្មាសអៀនចំពោះការបង្ហាញពី សមត្ថភាព ទេពកោសល្យ សិល្បៈវប្បធម៌ និងអត្តសញ្ញាណរបស់ខ្លួនទោះបីនៅទីណាក៏ដោយ!

Always adhere with Dream & Hope with Smile តែងតែមាន សុបិន និងក្តីសង្ឃឹមជាមួយស្នាមញញឹមជានិច្ច!

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We are proud of who we are, our own identity, culture and rich heritage!

សាវតារខ្មែរ Khmer Glorious History, Song:

១- ខ្មែរអើយចូរចាំជាក់ថា តាមសាវតារ ជាតិខេមរាធ្លាប់តែថ្កើង ទឹកដីខ្មែរធំទូលំទូលាយ សព្វសាយរុងរឿង គេឯងតែងលើក ដំកើងដំកល់ជាតិយើង ចាត់ទុកឡើងជាជាតិច្បង។

២- អារ្យធម៌ខ្ពង់ខ្ពស់ឆើតឆាយ បានចេញផ្សាព្វផ្សាយ គ្រប់ទិសទាំងឡាយចុងបូព៌ា សាសនាសិល្បៈ ចម្លាក់វិចិត្រ គំនិតសិក្សា តន្រ្តី-ទស្សនវិជ្ជា យុទ្ធសាស្រ្តជាគោល-
ការណ៍ខ្មែរផ្សាយទៅ។

៣- ខ្មែរអើយចូរស្ដាប់សាវតារ ដែលបានចរចា បញ្ជាក់ប្រាប់ថា ពូជខ្មែរថ្កើង តាំងចិត្តឲ្យធំ ខិតខំប្រឹងវិញ បញ្ចេញដំកើង តម្លៃនៃជាតិយើង ឱ្យបានរុងរឿង ជាថ្មីឡើងតាមសាវតារ៕

“ចប់”

Khmer Glorious History, Song
(Transliterated Version):

1 – Khmer evy, jo-jaim-jeak tha
tam sa-vada jeat Khemara t’loap te t’kerng, toekdei Khmer thom, Tulum-tuleey, sopsai, rung-roeung, ke-eng, teng lerkdomkerng, domkal jeet yerng,
jatt tuk-lerng jea jeet j’bong.

2 – Ari-yeak-thor, kpung kpuos chherth-chhay, banjenh psop-psai, krup teus teang lai, jong bopeer, sassna selapak, jomlak vijet, kumnith seksa,
dontrei, tea-sanak-vichea, yutasas jea-kaul-ka Khmer psai tov.

3 – Khmer evy, josdab savadar, delban jorja, banjeak prapbtha pouch Khmer tkeurng, taing jet oay thom, khet-khom proeng vinh, banjenh domkerng, domlai nei jeat yeurng, oayban rung-roeung, jeer thmei lerng, tam savada.

- The End -

13/10/2025

សូមអនុមោទនា បុណ្យកឋិនទាន Kathina (Robe Offering Ceremony) 🙏

វត្តពុទ្ធមង្គល អាស័យដ្ឋាន ៖

2411 Linden Ave, Long Beach CA 90806។

Solidarity “Together” is everything. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success for all, សាមគ្គីនាំមងនូវកម្លាំងខ្លាំងក្លា និងអាចសម្រេចបានគ្រប់កិច្ចការ។

🙏 All the best wishes to everyone & loved ones and please have a good health, stay safe, prosperous and successful with all kinds of duties as well as may God blesses you whatever religion you believe in. For the Buddhist may the 4-Buddha’s come true to you all!

🙏 សូមគោរពជូនពរ សេចក្តីសុខ សិរីសួស្តី សុភមង្គល និងឲ្យរួចចាកទុក្ខគ្រប់ៗគ្នា ជាពិសេស ជូនពរជ័យ សិរីមង្គល ចូលមានដល់លោកអ្នក ព្រមទាំងក្រុមគ្រួសារ ជួបតែសំណាងល្អ មានសុខភាពល្អ សុវត្ថិភាព ព្រមទាំងព្រះជន្មយឺនយូរ ហើយប្រាថ្នាយ៉ាងណា សូមបានសំរេចដូច បំណង និងភប់ប្រសព្វ តែនឹងពុទ្ធពរទាំងបួនប្រការគឺ អាយុ វណ្ណ សុខ និងពល កុំបី ឃ្លៀង ឃ្លាតឡើយ។

សូមបួងសួង និងឧទ្ទិសដល់ “គុណធ៌ម មេត្គាធ៌ម និងសាមគ្គីធ៌ម” សាបព្រួស និងដក់ជាប់ក្នុងដួងចិត្តគ្រប់ៗរូបទោះនៅទីណាក៏ដោយ។

Many thanks with deep respect & love អរគុណ និងដោយក្តីគោរព ស្រឡាញ់ 🙏

Note:

A summary info about Kathina Ceremony (Robe Offering Ceremony)
បុណ្យកឋិនទាន:

The Kathina (Pali: Kathina) Ceremony, also known as the Robe Offering Ceremony,
is one of the most important Buddhist ceremonies celebrated annually, and it is a significant Buddhist tradition observed in Theravada Buddhist countries. It marks the end of the Vassa, a three-month rainy season retreat after monks had spent in one place for intensive meditation and study.

The Kathina Ceremony is a time for lay Buddhists to express gratitude and support for the monastic community by offering new robes and other necessities. This act of generosity is believed to bring good merit to the donors.

- Key Aspects:

The ceremony typically involves a procession to the temple, where the new robes are presented to the monks. The monks then select one among themselves to receive the Kathina robe. Following the robe offering, there are often sermons, chanting, and communal meals. The Kathina Ceremony is not just about material offerings; it is also a time for spiritual reflection and community bonding. It reinforces the relationship between the monastic community and the laypeople, ensuring the continuation of Buddhist teachings and practices.

In Cambodian communities, Kathina is more than a religious event it’s a cultural gathering that reinforces identity, tradition, and community bonds. It brings together families, elders, and youth in acts of generosity and remembrance.

For Cambodians abroad, such as in Long Beach, the Kathina Ceremony helps preserve cultural heritage and connect younger generations to their spiritual roots.

- Key Takeaway:

The Kathina Ceremony is a celebration of faith, generosity, and community. It reminds participants of the importance of giving, the interdependence between monks and laypeople, and the timeless values of compassion and gratitude that sustain Buddhist culture across generations.

06/10/2025

Keep investing in our City បន្តវិនិយោគនៅក្នុងទីក្រុងរបស់យើង!

❤️ 🙏 Long Beach is far more than by the sea and diverse city, it’s a vibrant heartbeat of humanity, a living symphony of cultures, languages, and dreams from every corner of the world.

The diversity isn’t a catchphrase it’s the soul that keeps the city alive!

Stroll through its streets and you’ll hear a melody of voices English, Spanish, Tagalog, Khmer, and more . . . each one adding its own rhythm to the city’s chorus.

Long Beach flourishes and thrives because its people bring with them their heritage, their roots, hope, and their unwavering pride. This city reminds everyone that unity is not about uniformity. It’s about standing together distinct yet equal sharing space, respect, and humanity. It’s about learning from one another, tasting each other’s flavors, celebrating each other’s traditions, and listening with compassion, even when our languages differ.

Long Beach stands as proof that diversity is not division it is power. It reveals what can happen when communities choose empathy over exclusion and connection over separation. Here, we don’t just live side by side, we collaborate, create, and rise as one.

Long Beach proves that diversity is strength, not division. It shows what’s possible when communities choose connection over separation. Here, we don’t just coexist we collaborate, create, and rise together.

In every accent, every festival, and every neighbor’s smile, the essence of the beauty of Long Beach shines a proud mosaic of humanity, bound by love, respect, and the unbreakable belief that together, we are stronger!

- - -

The roots and beauty of native language:

Your native language connects you to your roots. Never forget where you come from, and always take pride in your heritage!

In general, native language we speak, the stories we tell, and the songs we sing in our native tongue are not merely tools of communication; they are the very threads that weave the tapestry of our identity. Similarly, language is more than just a means of communication; it's a living repository of history, and culture. For example, immigrants and their descendants, native languages serve as a tangible link to their ancestral homelands. The sounds, rhythms, and nuances of their mother tongue evoke memories, traditions, and values passed down through generations. As we well aware, the power of native language, it is a bridge across generations, and allows us to walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, to honor their sacrifices, and to carry their legacy forward.

Specifically, Cambodian-Americans keep learning Khmer language, it's a journey into the heart of Cambodian culture, a rediscovery of stories, songs, poets and proverbs that shape Khmer heritage. On the other hand, to avoid losing their identity, as well as allow them to navigate the complexities of modern life with greater clarity and empathy. By embracing their heritage and identity, they not only honor the past but also empower themselves to navigate the complexities of the present and shape a more inclusive future. For instance, Khmer class in Long Beach helps Cambodian-Americans get in touch with their Roots.

As one of Cambodian-Americans live in Long Beach, I am very proud of the rich culture and literature. Khmer language is not just a means of communication; it is a living testament to my ancestors’ struggles, triumphs, legacy and dreams. Each word spoken in Khmer is infused with the wisdom of generations and a profound connection to my history and identity. Most importantly, I’m one of Khmer Instructors that engaging in teaching Khmer classes here in Long Beach is much more than sharing knowledge; it is an opportunity to unlock the stories of my past and embrace the values are brought to life today. In my classroom, the ancient language of Khmer is not just taught; it is celebrated. It is a portal to a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a community bound by shared experiences, knowledge and storytellings through the traditions of ancestors, and the resilience of Cambodian people have been gone through countless hardships. By teaching Khmer class, I am actively participating in the preservation of my identity and encouraging others in my community to embrace theirs as well.

My own journey has taught me the invaluable lesson that to forget native language is to risk severing ties with the very essence of who I am and where I come from, and also my ancestors and the vibrant culture. Additionally, the loss of native language is the first step toward losing identity!

I urge everyone, never forget where you come from. In contrast, keep up embracing your native language, cherish your heritage, and share it. Let it be a source of strength, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring power of your roots. Take pride in who you are, for in your heritage lies a unique and beautiful story waiting to be told.

Again, native language stands as a powerful anchor, a bridge connecting us to our heritage and reminding us of who we are, especially, keeping alive the essence of our cultural heritage. For instance, when we speak Khmer, we honor our ancestors and create a bridge to the younger people of our community, instilling in them a sense of pride and identity.

Moreover, pride in our Khmer rich heritage is not merely an acknowledgment of our origins, but a celebration of who we are and where we originally from. It fuels our resilience in the face of adversity and inspires us to share the beauty of our Khmer culture and towards the world. Whether through music, arts, or traditional performances, every expression of our Khmer heritage serves as a reminder of our Angkor era.

Let’s take pride in our stories and share them with others, fostering understanding and respect across generations. Let’s continue to share, learn, engage, and uplift one another, ensuring that our Khmer rich heritage thrives for generations to come. The native language is also a powerful tool for connection, empowerment, and pride with the followings:

- Our native language serves as a bridge to our roots.
- Our native language is a powerful tool that connects us to our past and shapes our future.
- Our native tongue binds us to generations before us, reminding us of their struggles, resilience, and traditions.

As aforesaid, Khmer class in Long Beach helps Cambodian-Americans get in touch with their Roots. Because it represents a conscious effort to preserve and revitalize Cambodian culture amidst the challenges of assimilation. The class provides a safe space for Cambodian-Americans to connect with their language, history, and traditions. Likewise, Khmer, learners gain a deeper understanding of their cultural identity, fostering a sense of belonging, history, legacy and pride, and also the class serve as a bridge between generations, allowing younger Cambodian-Americans to connect with their elders and learn about their family's history.

Last but not least, let’s join hands together in standing firm in our commitment to our roots. By celebrating our native language, we celebrate our unique history and the vibrant cultures that have shaped us today and moved on to the future.

As we move forward, never forget the importance of passing on our native language to the next generation. Encouraging our children to learn and speak our language connects them to their heritage, instilling in them a sense of pride and responsibility towards their cultural identity. Be in mind that, when we speak our native language, we don’t just communicate, we keep our ancestors’ voices alive. We carry their dreams, their wisdom, and their strength into the present. Taking pride in our heritage means more than remembering, it means passing that pride to the next generations.

In the end, to those learning, teaching, and preserving their native language: you are protecting a vital part of your identity. Never forget where you come from, and never underestimate the power of language to keep that connection alive. Let’s continually uplift and celebrate and protect this gift, taking pride in our heritage and inspiring towards the world.

Together, we can build a stronger community rooted in love, respect, and cultural pride!

We are proud of who we are, our own identity, culture and rich heritage!

Never Forget Our Roots, Preserve and Uplift Our Roots No Matter What!

Don’t be shy to show your identity, likewise no matter what, don’t forget your native language, and roots!

“We must preserve our own Khmer language, so our young children will continue to have their own Khmer identity, their own culture and be proud of their own rich heritage from the glorious past. Please don't be ashamed to be Khmer! We have very Deep Roots in Khmer civilization. Please make an effort to teach your children to know who they are and where they came from through leaning our Khmer Language.”

- Mrs. Chan Hopson.

អក្សរ និងភាសាជាអត្តសញ្ញាណជាតិ ហើយនិងវប្បធម៌ជាដួងព្រលឹង!

18/09/2025

Cambodia Town in Long Beach, 🇺🇸!

We ❤️ Cambodia Town យើងស្រឡាញ់ក្រុងខ្មែរ!

CAMBODIA TOWN’S MISSION បេសកកម្មរបស់ក្រុងខ្មែរ ៖

To promote Khmer culture, customs, and traditions to advance the social and economic well-being of low and moderate-income communities. It creates a thriving and peaceful community by increasing health access, revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting local businesses, and educating youth.

ដើម្បីលើកស្ទួយវប្បធម៌ ទំនៀមទម្លាប់ និងប្រពៃណីខ្មែរ ដើម្បីលើកកម្ពស់សុខុមាលភាពសង្គម និងសេដ្ឋកិច្ចរបស់សហគមន៍ដែលមានចំណូលទាប និងមធ្យម។ វាបង្កើតសហគមន៍មួយ ដែលរីកចម្រើន និងមានសន្តិភាព ដោយបង្កើនលទ្ធភាពទទួលបានសេវាសុខភាព ធ្វើឱ្យរស់ឡើងវិញនូវទំនាក់ទំនងជាមួយអ្នកជិតខាង លើកកម្ពស់អាជីវកម្មក្នុងស្រុក និងការអប់រំយុវជន។

Stop Hate with Love បញ្ឈប់ការស្អប់ ដោយក្តីស្រឡាញ់!

Thank you សូមអរគុណ 🙏

- - -

Let’s find out about Cambodia Town History and Achievements, in Long Beach:

-> History of Cambodia Town:

On June 15, 2001, United Cambodian Community (UCC) hung “Little Phnom Penh” banners on street light poles in front of the UCC Plaza and along parts of Anaheim Street. It was a partnership of UCC, the City of Long Beach Partnership Program and Long Beach Strategic Marketing Inc.

The impact of these banners would change the course of the Cambodian community in Long Beach. It elicited a strong positive reaction from a group of Cambodians who were galvanized into action . They had informally expressed a desire to have a section of Anaheim Street designated as township for the Cambodian community in Long Beach. This was especially meaningful since this was home to the largest number of Cambodians outside of Southeast Asia.

On August 19, 2001, Cambodian Association of America (CAA) hosted a community meeting to select a name for the proposed designation. Attendees were invited from the Cambodian Friendship Network, UCC, CAA, and other Cambodian community members. The options were Cambodia Town, Cambodia Village, Khmer Town, Little Cambodia and Little Phnom Penh.

“CAMBODIA TOWN” was selected as the name!

On October 14, 2001, a second community meeting met to form the Cambodia Town Initiative Task Force (CTITF). Ten individuals volunteered to form the CTITF:

Pasin Chanou, Rosana Chanou, David Kar, Solange Kea, Annie H. Lee, Harrison T.S. Lee, Dr. Morakod Lim, Kenneth T. So, Phillip T. Thong and Sovuthy Tift.

It identified the section on Anaheim Street between Junipero Serra and Atlantic Avenue as the “Cambodia Town District.” The CTITF also worked to gather support from the Long Beach City Council and the Cambodian community at large.

As a fairly new refugee and immigrant population, they were beginning to understand the American political process. They became aware of other cities and areas where there were similar designations like Chinatown in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and Little Saigon in Westminster.

On January 15, 2002, the CTITF sent a proposal request to the Long Beach City Council for the formal designation of Cambodia Town on a section of Anaheim St. between Temple Ave. and Long Beach Blvd.

The official recognition would attract businesses and tourists, increase civic pride, and improve the area. This proposal did not move to the City Council for discussion.

There was a break for a few years while the CTITF rethought their approach and strategy. On November 4, 2005, members from the CTITF and the community decided to form Cambodia Town, Inc. (CT) as a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status.

It started to work on an action plan to gather support from the community and engage the media to influence the Long Beach City Council. The founding members of Cambodia Town were:

Evan A. Braude, Sandy Cajas, Meng Kim Chea, Pasin Chanou, Rosana Chanou, Al Day, Chhim Him, Krithny Horn, Sakphan Keam, Harrison Lee, Peter Long, Dr. Susan Needham, Richer San, Sithea San, Tony Taing, Edward Tan, Phillip Thong, and Danny Vong.

CT submitted a proposal on October 24, 2006, for a Formal Designation of Cambodia Town to the Long Beach City Council. It is of note that the designation was supported by Latino and African American groups from within the Anaheim corridor.

There was discussion on what the boundaries of Cambodia Town would be, and the City Council voted 6 to 3 to postpone action on the proposal and refer it to the Housing and Neighborhood Committee for further review.

On July 3, 2007, the Housing And Neighborhood Committee brought the Cambodia Town District Proposal back to the City Council for approval. In a majority of 8 to 1, the members of the City Council voted for the designation of Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District.

The motion was approved as follows: Approve recommendation to support the designation of Cambodia Town as a cultural, tourist and commercial destination reflecting the heritage of the Cambodian community on Anaheim Street; request the City Manager to work with appropriate stakeholder groups to initiate the Business Improvement District (BID) and recommend a boundary designation for Cambodia Town to the City Council based on the BID process; and that additional resources for signage and other items to support the Cambodia Town designation will be withheld until the BID process is complete. (Carried 8-1) Yes:

B. Lowenthal, S. Lowenthal, DeLong, Schipske, Andrews, Reyes Uranga, Gabelich, and Lerch. No: O'Donnell.

Since the approval of the designation, the area has improved economically with decreased crime and an improved appearance but there is still a need to advocate for better, safer traffic control, more community projects such as the improvement of McArthur Park and other amenities.

CT has been instrumental in bringing in the highly successful and well attended CT Parade and Culture Festival annually to the area and raising funds for signage on the city streets and on the 710 highway entrances to mark the area.

-> Cambodia Town Achievements:

On May 31, 2020, businesses were damaged and raided on Anaheim St. Malyanne Bunma raised thousands through her GoFundMe campaign, and she approached CT to distribute the money.

UCC had also raised funds to help the community, so a coalition formed with CT, Midtown BID and UCC. The relief fund aided 25 businesses and distributed $69,373.00.

- On April 23, 2019, at the recommendation of CT’s Board, the City of Long Beach proclaimed the month of April as “Cambodian Heritage Month.” The proclamation urged all residents to become familiar with Cambodian history and culture as well as how Cambodians have contributed to the city.

It encouraged people to participate in cultural events and activities to commemorate the strength and endurance of the Cambodian people.

- In 2012, CT raised funds for the installation of Cambodia Town directional signs on the 710 Freeway.

- In 2011, CT raised the funds for the installation of 16 street signs to mark the boundaries of the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District.

- In 2009, CSU Dominguez Hills developed the Cambodian Arts and Handicrafts Exhibition in collaboration with CT. It became the annual Cambodia Town Cultural Festival and is attended by several thousand people.

- Since 2008, CT collected signatures to establish a Midtown PBID. This was finally accomplished in 2016 by the City of Long Beach due to CT’s tireless advocacy. Through the efforts of CT Board members, the City of Long Beach designated the Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District on July 3, 2007. It is the first designated Cambodia Town in the United States.

CT’s Ambassador Circle raised $150,000 to name the Community room in the Mark Twain Library in 2007.

- Since 2005, CT has been the leader for producing the New Year Parade along Anaheim Street.

- During 2020 and 2021, the parade continued in a video format and returned live in 2023 to thousands of attendees.

Because of Long Beach has the largest Cambodian community outside Cambodia, Long Beach is called “Home” by Cambodian people. Again, on July 3, 2007, the City of Long Beach designated area for Cambodia Town Business and Cultural District.

It is the town as a cultural, tourist and commercial destination reflecting the heritage of the Cambodian community on Anaheim Street. Since the approval of the designation, the area has improved economically with decreased crime and an improved appearance but there is still a need to advocate for better, safer traffic control, more community projects such as the improvement of Park and other amenities.

Cambodia Town has been instrumental in bringing in the highly successful and well attended Parade and Culture Festival annually.

It creates a thriving and peaceful community by increasing health access, revitalizing neighborhoods, promoting local businesses, and educating youth.

My family and I proudly call Long Beach “HOME”. We ❤️ Long Beach, We ❤️ Cambodia Town!

- - -- “The end” - - - -

- Sources Courtesy to Cambodia Town.

Alex Biston heads to Long Beach to check Cambodia Town for this week's Let's Go Places. For video licensing inquiries, contact: [email protected]