Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Seattle council marks 50th anniversary of Khmer Rouge genocide; community leaders ask for healing and funding
Loading...
Summary
During a proclamation and recognition at the April 14 City Council meeting, Khmer-American leaders and survivors described trauma from the Cambodian genocide, urged preservation of history and asked for investments in healing, cultural programs and a proposed Khmer community center seeking roughly $9.8 million.
Seattle City Council recognized the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge genocide on April 14, hearing testimony from survivors and Khmer-American community leaders who asked the city to support healing, cultural preservation and community resources.
Council member Rink read a proclamation that recited historical context including U.S. bombing of Cambodia between 1969 and 1973 and the 1975–1979 period during which the Khmer Rouge regime carried out mass killings. Rink then invited six community speakers to the dais.
Survivors recounted forced labor, family loss and years spent in refugee camps. Ron Ross, identified as president of the Cambodian American Friendship Coalition, described being taken from work and detained during the regime and said he was grateful to be alive in the U.S. He said the community still carries trauma.
Speakers linked that history to present-day concerns. Muni Ooch (an anti-deportation advocate) described recent deportations of community members and asked the council to address immigration-related vulnerabilities. Tita Chow described a plan in permitting for Seattle’s first Khmer community and cultural center and requested support to reach a funding goal she stated as about $9,800,000 so construction can begin.
University student speakers and community leaders emphasized educational access, languages and cultural programs to support future generations. Several speakers asked for consultation with the community during permitting and long-term support for mental-health services and cultural preservation.
Council members thanked speakers, took a group photo and then opened the public comment period. The remarks were publicly recorded as part of the council’s recognition of the Khmer community’s history and ongoing needs.
