GARDENING WITH LIAN

In Cambodia, April is the month when Cambodian farmers enjoy and celebrate the harvest.  They rest, spend time with their families and replenish their energies before the new harvest season starts. 

Our relationship to the earth and ability to grow our own food is critical to the survival of our communities. When our families resettled, growing herbs and staple vegetables in our garden helped to feed our families and preserve cultural dishes and recipes.

Executive Director, Lian, shares tips on sustainable gardening, a survival skill that was passed down to her from her mom:

"Start small so it feels manageable, then expand based on needs or interest.

Only grow what you and your family want to eat to maximize enjoyment and minimize wasted resources or efforts.

Plants need sun, soil, and water. Pick the right spot, remember to water regularly and fertilize seasonally to maximize your plants’ production potential.

Enjoy and have fun experimenting!"

COOKING BA BAW WITH SOPHYA

Ba baw or rice porridge is one of the staple dishes often eaten for breakfast or to support one's health.  During the war and resettlement, our entire communities were able to survive off of this comforting bowl of rice porridge when food was scarce.

Every family has a special way of making ba baw their own.  It continues to be a dish that heals and reminds us of home.

Associate Director and founding member, Sophya, shares how she enjoys ba baw:

"Ba Baw is not just a comfort food, but can be medicinal.  You can have it plain with sides of your choice or mix with some of your favorite meat and veggies.  I like my plain ba baw with soy sauce, salty eggs or stir fried pork. This version of "pork cheem chruk" is full of flavors, the condiments like cilantro, green onions, fried garlic, lime juice, soy beans & chili sauce, gives it an extra kick! Make it fun and your own!"

"KGA is an amazing place for youth because they're very open minded and make you feel at home. You'll always feel welcomed and you won't have to think about what others will say because there are guidelines to help make us feel safe. KGA encourages us to work at our best and full potential. They're very considerate and will always be there no matter the situation, ensuring trust."  - Madison Yang

In the spirit of celebration, we uplift local youth leaders who are here and paving the way for the next generation of advocates, leaders, organizers, cultural workers and healers!

Continue to support our work in creating long-term change by investing in youth leaders today!

2021 marks 46 years of Southeast Asian resettlement and diaspora. In light of recent anti-Asian hate and violence, we condemn all forms of violence including policies that criminalize poverty, migration and that further traumatizes and separates families.

We believe in a world free of oppression and envision healing for all those impacted by war, imperialism, white supremacy, race and gender-based violence. 

• READ THE DEMANDS
  Long Beach immigrant rights leaders speak out against the temporary facility for unaccompanied migrant children at the Long Beach Convention Center and in other cities.
  
  
• TRACK AAPI VIOLENCE & ASSAULTS
  Our communities keep us safe.  Reporting assaults on AAPI communities through www.stopaapihate.org helps bring in the data we need to advocate for funding, resources, policies grounded in community care.  LA County residents can also report assaults or navigate resources by dialing 2-1-1.
  
  
• SIGN THE PETITION
  In retaliation of the Hero Pay, Kroger shut down groceries stores in Long Beach and other cities, resulting in an ecosystem of food deserts and eliminating jobs in Black and Brown communities.  
  
  

Like a Lotus, We Rise!