 Christopher Scott, MSW, CSWA, is a social worker from Portland taking a journey to further his career and making an effort to change the platform of social work. | Amid the demand for police accountability and justice for Black lives, Christopher Scott, the Hip Hop Social worker, allowed me on his platform to tell my story.  |
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 Repost: Sarath S. Suong
Image credit: Sokunthary Svay My Khmer and Southeast Asian folks. Please take a few minutes and read this letter from a coalition of Black leadership published in the New York Times on March 19th, 1978. Read every single word. Read it and think about how you are responding right now when Black folks are saying they are facing genocide. And then let's have a real conversation and let's make plans for how we can join the fight for Black lives. #BlackLivesMatter #Khmers4BlackLives #SoutheastAsians4BlackLives #RefugeeResistance4BlackPower New York Times, March 19th, 1978 Black Americans urge admission of the Indochinese refugees Throughout non-Communist Asia, thousands of unfortunate refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia languish in make-shift camps. For most, the future offer frightening prospects: social ostracism in the countries to which they fled, end unemployment, and - even worse - deportation to their homelands resulting in almost certain death. As concerned citizens of the black community - a community which itself continues to endure widespread economic deprivation- we sympathize with our Asian brothers and sisters in the refugee camps. But our concern must transcend the safe boundaries of mere sympathy. We must move toward action. Many well-meaning Americans have argued that action on this pressing problem is unworkable in economic terms and potentially explosive. We recognize the scandalous state of America's economy - especially its devastating manifestation in the black community - and we realize that any program to assist these refugees will entail modest economic costs. Yet, we oppose the dehumanizing tendency of placing price tags on the heads of Indochinese refugees. In the past, America has displayed an uncanny ability to adapt to unusual and seemingly impossible situations. We believe that America can once again reach out to an embattled minority - these refugees - and offer safe haven and hope. Thus, we call upon President Carter and the United States Congress to facilitate the entrance of these refugees into the United States in the same spirit that we have urged our country to accept the victims of South Africa's apartheid. Through our arduous struggle for civil, political and economic rights in America, we have learned a fundamental lesson: the battle against human misery is indivisible. Our continuing struggle for economic and political freedom is inextricably linked to the struggles of Indochinese refugees who also seek freedom. If our government lacks compassion for these dispossessed human beings, it is difficult to believe that the same government can have much compassion for America's black minority, or for America's poor. Tacoma Community House Online Fundraiser TOTAL RAISED: $107,580 GOAL: $100,000 In response to protecting our clients, volunteers, and staff members during the COVID-19 pandemic, TCH made the difficult decision of canceling our 110th Annual Luncheon before we learned of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order from Governor Jay Inslee. Uncertain of our next steps, we decided to launch the online campaign, "We are strong as our most vulnerable" to engage our supporters without putting our community at risk. With the extraordinary support, compassion, and generosity of our community, we're pleased to announce that we exceeded our $100,000 goal with a total of $107,580! As the Communications Associate for TCH, I was responsible for all of the graphics, videos, social media and website marketing. I'm very proud to be part of the team that came together and executed this successful campaign with such a tight timeline. Visit the campaign page to watch the videos: TCH | We are strong as our most vulnerable Below are the various graphic updates for social media and our e-mail communication throughout the three-day campaign.  Phnom Penh, unusually quiet but expected during this time. Locals travel home to visit family during the new year holiday leaving the city almost like a ghost town.
PopsIt has been about 12 years since my wedding was when we last saw each other and I'm excited to see him. Once we deplane, there he is waiting ready to receive us. I don't know what the standard process of getting through customs, but we always must walk through without any issues, no questions asked. I remember the last time I went in 2006 I left the airport through the back door. How? I do not have the answer.  Pops and I at the airport. I'm wearing a VIP ID that allows me to go back in forth between customs without being checked. Tea House, Asian Urban Hotel"Inspired by Asia love for tea, Tea House is one of Phnom Penh most imaginative hotels. It combines classic and modern urban design with a cool Asian twist. A truly tranquil respite from the busy streets of Cambodia capital city". I copied that from their website because its true! Highly recommend to stay there. Wat Phnom, New Year CelebrationAlthough most of the city's population is gone, there's still a party for those who stays in Phnom Penh. Wat Phnom was live! Block PartyMy pops greeted us with a Karaoke and BBQ party outside of his house with his neighbors, it was such a good time. I didn't want it to end because I've never hung out with my pops in that setting before. Pub Street, Siem ReapAfter spending a couple of days in Phnom Penh, we make our way to Siem Reap to visit the mighty Angkor Wat. The car ride was faster than before (I was there in 2006) since the roads are paved, but it was still about a five-hour drive instead of the eight or nine hours. We stayed at Advaya Residence, in my opinion, the best hotel experience during the trip. The rooms were pleasant, the staff attentive, and the food was terrific. After we settled, we decided to go out to check the famous Pub Street in Siem Reap. Pub Street is where it's at for the nightlife experience Siem Riep, its an all-out party with bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open until 4 am. Ta ProhmTa Prohm (Khmer: ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម, pronunciation: prasat taprohm) is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called Rajavihara (in Khmer: រាជវិហារ). Located approximately one kilometre east of Angkor Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray, it was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII[1]:125[2]:388 as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the junglesurroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors. UNESCO inscribed Ta Prohm on the World Heritage List in 1992. Today, it is one of the most visited complexes in Cambodia’s Angkor region. The conservation and restoration of Ta Prohm is a partnership project of the Archaeological Survey of India and the APSARA (Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap). Angkor WatThe sunrise at Angkor Wat is breath taking. As beautiful as it is, the real beauty is the locals, tour guides, and those who work everyday to welcome tourists like us. Phnom Kulen National Park - WaterfallPhnom Kulen National Park is a national park located in the Phnom Kulen mountain massif in Siem Reap Province. It was established in 1993 and has two main waterfalls. I fell in the water with my camera - surprisingly it still kind of works! S21 Tuol Sleng MuseumKepKep is a sleepy coastal town known for its seafood and tropical islands. Once was Cambodia's most prestigious beach town, it was a thriving resort town for the French and Cambodian elite until the early 1970s. It is still beautiful as ever. Preah Monivong Bokor National ParkPreah Monivong Bokor National Park is located in southern Cambodia's Kampot Province and established in 1993. Phnom Bokor (Bokor Mountain) is a vast terrain of many attractions. On top of the mountain sits a huge statue, some ruins, and a casino. There's also a plant that is shaped like a penis.
An island about 25 minutes from Kep, Rabbit Island has to be one of the most relaxing experiences I've ever had. If my life was a Corona "Find Your Beach" commercial, this was it. There are families who live on the island that provides visitors with karaoke, food, and bungalows to hang out in. Life is simple. Thank you everyone who celebrated with me. Take your event to the next level with Platinum Touch Photo Booth!
One of our seven community members scheduled to be deported, Mr. Roeuth An, has begun the pardons process and is in need of having it expedited by the Governor. The next round of flights are scheduled on or around December 11th and we need your help applying pressure to expedite the emergency relief Mr. An and his family needs to be able to stay and fight his case, before it is too late. CALL GOVERNOR INSLEE'S OFFICE: 360-902-4111 CALL THE PARDONS & CLEMENCY BOARD: 360-586-0047 EMAIL THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: CLICK THIS LINK TO EMAIL THE GOVERNOR EMAIL THE PARDONS & CLEMENCY BOARD: (click the e-mail address) cpboard@atg.wa.gov Below is a script you can utilize for communication: My name is _ from (city, state). I am calling/writing _ (Governor Jay Inslee or The Pardons Board) to denounce the deportation of Cambodian Americans in Washington State. This issue is tearing our family and/or Washingtonian immigrant families apart. It is important for you and/or the Pardon Board to weigh in on this issue and I am writing/calling to urge you to take immediate action within your power to issue emergency pardons. Seven of our community members will be removed next week, all of them coming to the United States as young refugee children, and Mr. An can potentially be saved from being torn from our/his family today. Mr. An has an extraordinary case which merits consideration of a Governor’s Pardon. But if you don’t act now, he will be deported without this due process. I urge you to stand in solidarity with the Cambodian community, take action to keep our families together and to do everything in your power to expedite Mr. An’s case, as well as consider a group pardon in time to keep our community members from being removed. DOWNLOAD THE GRAPHIC BELOW BY CLICKING ON IT TO SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK. |
| For about a decade, 10 Early Learning Regional Coalitions have existed across Washington State, but have all operated independently. These 10 Regions have recently decided to come together and begin intentionally working together as the new entity: Washington Communities for Children. Washington Communities for Children's mission is to connect local and statewide efforts to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities. The organization reached out to me to help them with a logo can communicate the following message:
What wasn't allowed:
Fair enough. Out of four different concepts the group selected the one to the right. A graphic that resembles an apple (Washington) but also features "connectedness" with two "people" holding hands. The color palette was chosen by the organization. Thank you Washington Communities for Children for the opportunity. The logo is the first effort in branding and once the website is created I will link it here if you'd like to learn more about this wonderful effort. UPDATE: Here is the website https://www.washingtoncfc.org/ |  |
The Rustic Tap House
| A friend approaches me about one of his colleagues who is opening up a bar & grill in Colorado. As with every logo or art project, it's always best to initiate a conversation to understand your client's vision. Although I didn't talk to the owner of the bar & grill directly, this was the description given to me: "It's a brewery/craft drink bar, with live entertainment, and fresh farm to table offerings. The establishment will be a very simple ambiance. I think of Twin Peaks with the Rustic feel, mountains, butcher block tables, and a straightforward, simple setting." I can work from that! I submitted a few concepts and the one shown here was the winner. I had a great time interpreting the description given to me and I'm very happy to be able to deliver the client's vision, keep it simple. |  |
The BOP Collective
| The BOP collective is a group of Pacific Northwest growers that are based on the idea of community. The collective is a diverse group of connoisseurs striving build positive and thriving community through cannabis. They needed a "grown up" logo to symbolize their growth as a collective and was looking for something less cartoony and more "professional". The final product you see here, a typography logo with a silhouette of a marijuana leaf in the "O" communicates who they are and what they do. Check them out at their Instagram @Bopcollective420 and at their website bopcollective420.com Huge thank you to the BOP Collective for this opportunity! |  |
N'AYR Collections
| N'AYR (pronounced "en-ayer") is a new venture from Ryan Grovey who is the Global Trainer/Director of Leadership Development at MIXXEDFIT. With a loyal following and a worldwide network, Ryan's brand power has grown to where he is ready to give in to the demand. N'AYR is a lifestyle brand focusing on comfortable and stylish active wear. As with all new ventures, a logo is required to lead the branding effort. The "N" you see here is outlined with bold lines using negative space to exhibit the "N". The pieces his in collection is bold, built with comfort, stylish, and made for everyday day living. |  |
One of my favorite hobbies is Djing. I love playing music that people can vibe with. I don't ever have a playlist and sometimes mix 90s alternative rock with mumble rap and will throw in old Cambodian psychedelic rock in the mix. How? Come find out!
Thursday Oct. 18th | Alma Mater
Art Walk After Party
9pm - 1am | FREE AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/686588135055492
Art Walk After Party
9pm - 1am | FREE AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/686588135055492
Thursday, Oct. 25th | Airport Tavern
Night of the living throwbacks Halloween Party
9pm - 1:30am | FREE AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/324975731585002/
Night of the living throwbacks Halloween Party
9pm - 1:30am | FREE AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/324975731585002/
Friday, Oct. 26th | Zodiac Supper Club
Zodiac Halloween Bash
9pm - 1:30am | FREE AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/295204251082477/
Zodiac Halloween Bash
9pm - 1:30am | FREE AF
https://www.facebook.com/events/295204251082477/
Saturday, Oct. 27th | La Ca Bar
Fright Night at La Ca
9pm - 1:30am | $10 Entry At the Door | >>$5 Pre-sale online<< | Costume Contest
1st Prize $300
2nd Prize $150
3rd Prize $50
https://www.facebook.com/events/308984169691275/
Fright Night at La Ca
9pm - 1:30am | $10 Entry At the Door | >>$5 Pre-sale online<< | Costume Contest
1st Prize $300
2nd Prize $150
3rd Prize $50
https://www.facebook.com/events/308984169691275/
I had the pleasure of my first senior photo session this past weekend with Erin, who's the daughter of Kim Bennet Thompson. You may be familiar with Kim if you read the Red Scarf Revolution feature in the Weekly Volcano a few years ago.
I met Kim in 2014 when she was kind enough to write an article about Red Scarf Revolution, which to my surprise, was a cover feature! I couldn't believe it, and this time Kim surprised me again by trusting me with her daughter's senior photos.
Location: The lovely Wright Park, Tacoma WA
"Silong, you did AMAZING work and the photos were stunning! You are a delight to work with: excellent follow up, communication and customer service. Erin and I adore you!" - Kim
Thank you, Kim and Erin!
I met Kim in 2014 when she was kind enough to write an article about Red Scarf Revolution, which to my surprise, was a cover feature! I couldn't believe it, and this time Kim surprised me again by trusting me with her daughter's senior photos.
Location: The lovely Wright Park, Tacoma WA
"Silong, you did AMAZING work and the photos were stunning! You are a delight to work with: excellent follow up, communication and customer service. Erin and I adore you!" - Kim
Thank you, Kim and Erin!
