Lexington proclaims April 2025 Cambodian Heritage Month; community leader urges solidarity and democracy advocacy

Mayor Jason Hayes proclaimed April 2025 as Cambodian Heritage Month in Lexington on March 24, announcing the city's formal recognition of the contributions and cultural heritage of the local Cambodian community.

The proclamation, read at the start of the council meeting, traces the community's history from the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia on April 17, 1975, through the resettlement of refugees in the United States. It notes the establishment of the city's first Buddhist wat and asks residents to "recognize and commemorate the significance of Cambodian heritage, legacy, and culture" in Lexington.

Kim Hoon Thit, identified at the meeting as a representative of the Lexington Cambodian Community Center, addressed the council after the proclamation. Thit described the community's observances around Khmer New Year and spoke about the historical trauma from the Khmer Rouge era. She said the community supports international monitoring and sanctions aimed at addressing human-rights abuses and invited residents to Khmer New Year events in Lexington. "We cannot allow dictator to, dictate how we live and what we say," Thit said during her remarks.

Thit also gave event details and an invitation for public celebration: she asked residents to attend Khmer New Year observances at the Cambodian Cultural Center on April 19'20 and said activities will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. She urged solidarity with those preserving Cambodian heritage and advocating for democracy.

The proclamation and remarks were part of a recognitions segment that also acknowledged local participants including a Chamber of Commerce representative and a college dean. The council presented the proclamation and thanked the speakers for their participation.