Minnesota Cambodian community to commemorate Khmer Rouge genocide anniversary

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 10, 2017) — Cambodians from Rochester and the Twin Cities will commemorate and discuss the atrocities and subsequent aftermath associated with the Khmer Rouge Genocide in Cambodia from 1975 thru 1979 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, April 17 at the Minnesota Humanities Center, 987 Ivy Ave. E., Saint Paul, MN 55105.

Nine Survivors of the Genocide will testify about genocide, their refugee experience and their immigration to Minnesota.

On April 17, 1975 the Khmer Rouge, an extreme communist movement, gained control of Cambodia, promising peace and an end to the Vietnam War. After disarming the military the entire population was ordered into the countryside to establish a communist agrarian utopia. Four years of genocide ensued, which resulted in fear starvation, violence and death. Well over 1.5 million people perished. The survivors from Minnesota will tell their stories and discuss with the public the effects of this horrific episode in world history.

More often than not, many South East Asians have made it known that little is taught and less is known about how and why large communities of Asians settled in Minnesota. Very little is taught about the Vietnam War and the events that followed. As part of the Sons & Daughters of Cambodia’s mission this conference is intended to speak to that issue and help both the youth of these Asians communities and also the greater Minnesota community learn about these events and each other.

The April 17th program consists of two panel discussions. The first panel of five will discuss the events leading to and the tools used to perpetrate the atrocities. The second four  member panel will focus on the refugee experience in Thailand and their voyage to freedom. A one-hour question and answer period will follow each panel.

The public is welcome to attend and participate. There is no fee required, but donations will be accepted. Seating is limited.

RSPV to this event at: www.sadoc.org/events,

RSVP Contacts:
Scott Walker – 651-775-7560 (English)

Ho Try – 651-366-2775 (Khmer)

Supporting Organizations:

Cambodian Church of the Nazarene of Crystal and Rochester

Watt Munisotaram Buddhist Society of MN

United Cambodian Association of Minnesota

Cambodian Community Council of Minnesota
Minnesota Humanities Center