Long Beach Public Library is pleased to announce Khmer, Come All!, a series celebrating the cultural heritage of its immigrant communities.
Khmer, Come All! Kick-off celebration
Why Long Beach with Dr. Sue Needham and Dr. Karen Quintiliani
Time: 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Dr. Susan Needham (CSU Dominguez Hills) and Dr. Karen Quintiliani (CSU Long Beach) will discuss their book Cambodians in Long Beach and talk about how Long Beach became home to the largest Cambodian Community in the United States. Participants will have an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Cambodians in Long Beach following the presentation. All Proceeds go to the Historical Society Long Beach to support the Cambodian Community History and Archive Project (CamCHAP).
Voices of a New Generation
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Dr. Christine Su will talk about her book Voices of a New Generation: Cambodian Americans in the Creative Arts. She invited composer PraCH Ly, film director Caylee So, and Chef Tarath Ouk, who are featured in her book, to share their stories in the creative arts. The artists featured in Dr. Su’s book are sons and daughters of refugees from the Khmer Rouge regime. A representative from Bel Canto books will be present to sell copies of Dr. Su’s book following the panel presentation.
Voices of a New Generation: Chef Tarath Ouk
Time: 3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Chef Tarath Ouk (Chef T.) will present a favorite Cambodian dish demonstration. The audience will be encouraged to share their cultural traditions and recipes. Participants will try a sample of Chef T’s special treat following the preparation.
Other events in this program series:
The Donut Princess with Mayly Tao: Saturday, November 12, 2022, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mayly Tao will discuss her experience being part of the film The Donut King which tells the story of California donut shop owner, Ted Ngoy. She will also discuss her book An American Dream, with Sprinkles which pays homage to the journey of millions of immigrants who arrive in the United States annually. An activity and Q&A will follow the presentation. Participants will have an opportunity to purchase a copy of Mayly’s self-published title following her discussion. Space is limited to 50.
Poet Bunkong Bk Tuon: Saturday, November 26, 2022, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Poet and professor Bunkong Bk Tuon will share how the City of Long Beach helped him discover his voice in the 1990s and inspired him to share the story of his family. He will also discuss his experience writing his books “And so I was Blessed” and “Gruel” which both detail historical trauma and family hardships. Mr. Tuon’s presentation will be livestreamed at the Mark Twain Neighborhood branch and via Zoom.
Khmer Calligraphy: Thursday, December 1, 2022, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
This one-hour course will focus on building an understanding in the reading/writing of consonants, vowels, and the understanding of one’s name in the Khmer language. Mr. Cheth will also demonstrate how to write one’s name in Khmer. Space is limited to 25.
Khmer, Come All! Concluding celebration: Saturday, December 3, 2022, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
This program is supported by the Library Innovation Lab.
