Can you imagine leaving your home country because you didn't have enough food for your family, then walking for 3 days and 3 nights to a neighboring country with the family in the hope of being able to feed them? That's what Sambo experienced in 1980 having left Cambodia and then went to Thailand, moving from camp to camp. Her mother passed away at one of the camps. Her journey eventually led her to the Philippines then to the U.S. She and her husband Vansong have a touching story, and they share some of it here with us as Links #30 and #31 in the Catalyst Giving Chain. Watch them here!
News
News, events, and articles for the Catalyst Network of Communities.
Meet Leakhena
Leakhena is a mother and child care provider in Long Beach and loves the freedom of making her own schedule. She's a good friend of Rita (Link #28) and as Link #29 in the Catalyst Giving Chain, Leakhena received some groceries from us. Check out some of her story here!
Meet Rita
This is Rita. She is a fashion designer and researcher and is passionate about creating more jobs in Cambodia in the fashion industry - not just low-level production but also creating fashion design. As Link #28 in the Catalyst Giving Chain, she's got a great message! Get to know her a little bit through her video here:
Meet Vouchmeng
"Meng" is a wonderful woman who is passionate about preserving Cambodian culture and especially wedding traditions. As Link #27 on the Catalyst Giving Chain, she received a hand-made Cambodian outfit that she can add to her collection. As a refugee, she traveled from Cambodia to Thailand, and eventually made her way to the U.S. and landing in Long Beach where she settled, went to school, and built her career of serving others. Watch what she has to say in the video below!
Meet Socheat
The next participant in the Catalyst Giving Chain is Socheat. He established the Mietophoum National Library and Cultural Center (aka the Mietophoum - Khmer Spirit Center) located in Cambodia Town at 2338 E. Anaheim Street, Suite 102, Long Beach, CA 90804. His heart is to preserve Cambodian culture, history, literature, and music while educating people about his culture. As Link #26, he received $50 worth of books to add to their extensive library! Check out his brief video here.
Watch more videos at the Catalyst Giving Chain project page here.
Meet Caydee
This is Caydee. She's passionate about anthropology and religious studies because it says so much about the human experience. She's also very passionate about the Cambodian community and culture. Hear more about her and watch how she's participating as Link #25 in the Catalyst Giving Chain!
Watch more videos at the Catalyst Giving Chain project page here.
Meet Jane
This is Jane. She's a young college student at Cal State University, Long Beach. As Link #24 in the Catalyst Giving Chain, she shares her story of what it was like to look after her younger sisters when her mom got sick and had to live in Mexico until she recovered. Check out her brief story here!
Breaking the Stereotype of a Continuation School Student
Leo Catalan is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. His life's human book title is "Breaking the Stereotype of a Continuation School Student." He attended Jordan High School his freshman year of high school, and was kicked out at the end of the year. From there he went to Beach High School, a continuation school, where he joined their first ever student council. He is now the President of the Student Body. He is hoping to enter the Marines with plans to become a police officer, and then eventually become a federal agent at some level.
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Volleyball Was My First Love
Jo Rae Zuckerman is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "Volleyball Was My First Love." She was an early volleyball competitor and leader when the game rules changed to reflect the current sport. She led players, tournaments, and the game to new levels as one of the leading authorities for the sport. Now she leads the Friends of the Long Beach Public Library in its advocacy efforts.
Hear more of her story personally by checking her out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
To read more about the Human Library event, click here.
Click here to see related posts for: #HumanLibrary
Chasing the Dream Til We Meet Again
Juan Cardenas is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. His life's human book title is "Chasing the Dream Til We Meet Again." He currently attends Beach High School with plans on re-entering Long Beach Poly High School in the Fall. He has a passion and deep love for soccer and will be attending tryouts for the Chivas USA Club Team. Has been separated from his parents for awhile now, as they are in Mexico, unable to come back to the United States. He is able to be here today because of the Dream Act. While it is tough to be separated from his parents, he knows that one day he will be reunited again with them!
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Forever Changes
Teddy Breceda is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. His life's human book title is "Forever Changes." Teddy’s life arc has swung back and forth, in many directions. From female to male, blue collar to white collar (and back-then back again), far-flung to grounded.
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Renaissance Man On A Mission
Darick J. Simpson is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. His life's human book title is "Renaissance Man On A Mission." He is Executive Director of the Long Beach Community Action Partnership (LBCAP). In his first seven years at LBCAP he has led the agency from 24 staff and a $1.3 million budget to 150 staff and $9 million. Throughout his career he has established an excellent reputation as a community leader with diverse experiences that include business development, community development, youth programs and entertainment. In addition to corporate and community accomplishments, Mr. Simpson is a creative writer with two published books and one CD that can be found on iTunes. He is a member of the Recording Academy and a voting member of the Grammy Awards since 2008. He is also a graduate of Leadership Long Beach, California and a graduate of Leadership Mobile, Alabama. He is the first Alumnus of the year for Leadership Long Beach in 1994. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Alabama and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from The University of Phoenix.
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
The Struggles of a Young Girl
Tiffany Johnson is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "The Struggles of a Young Girl." Tiffany was incarcerated for 16 years. She'll share about her experiences growing up, the circumstances that led to her incarceration, her experiences in prison, and what her life is like now as an advocate for formally incarcerated individuals.
Hear more of her story personally by checking her out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Many Personalities to Success!
Tierra Burns is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "Many Personalities to Success!" Tierra is an educated African American female who moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue her dreams. She was accepted into the Masters of Social Work Program at the University of Southern California (USC) as well as the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). The semester was a long battle because she moved to California without any family and she is the only African American in ROTC. Despite her struggles in ROTC, she became Miss Black Long Beach, is the assistant director of a praise dance team, is a mentor for the Boys and Girls Club, as well as a program called the Daughters of Destiny. Tierra figures that she has to try harder in ROTC, but she cannot focus on failing. She must realize her success and try to be successful in all of her ROTC endeavors.
Hear more of her story personally by checking her out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
For Most People, My Pronoun is Porter
Porter Gilberg is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. His life's human book title is "For Most People, My Pronoun is Porter." Porter currently serves as the Executive Director for the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach (LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) and has lived in the City for 10 years. He also identifies as gender non-conforming and is one of the only openly gender non-conforming Executive Directors of an LGBTQ center in the United States. Porter grew up in a small town and came out as an LGBTQ person when he was 12 years old. He found the experience very challenging as there were no laws protecting students from discrimination at school during that time and he did not know anyone else who identified as an LGBTQ person. When Porter was 18 he moved to Long Beach to attend Long Beach City College and transferred to UCLA to major in Women’s Studies. Porter found learning about feminism, the 1970s Gay Liberation movement, and queer theory in school to be incredibly helpful to support him in developing a language to describe his sexual orientation (queer) and gender identity (gender non-conforming/butch). Porter believes that sexuality is way more fluid than most people believe and also that gender is more of a galaxy than a binary. Porter does not identify as a man or a woman, but as something else that’s completely separate and that his identity is just as authentic as anyone else’s. He does not identify as transgender, although that is usually how people think he identifies. Porter feels fortunate to be the Executive Director of The Center so that he can share this information with as many people as possible both within the LGBTQ community and outside it.
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
How to Create and Sell Fun New Ideas for Books, TV and Movies
Obie Scott Wade is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "How to Create and Sell Fun New Ideas for Books, TV and Movies." He recently created a new kid’s TV show called SheZow, which currently airs on the Hub Network. He also writes children’s books and is currently working on his first screenplay for a major motion picture. His specialty is creating concepts and writing them professionally.
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
“Girl, I Would Sop You Up with a Biscuit!” . . . And Other Reasons Feminism Isn’t Over
Nina Flores is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is " 'Girl, I Would Sop You Up with a Biscuit!' . . . And Other Reasons Feminism Isn’t Over." She describes her story as "the story of many women in the public space – we just don’t tell it. From the time we’re old enough to be in public, on city streets, or riding public transportation, most of us at some point have experienced street harassment in the form of catcalls, physical contact, or leering. We’ve endured sexualized comments, ignored penetrating stares, taken precautions at night, and quickened our pace to avoid inviting unwanted attention from bystanders from our mere presence. I write, research, and speak about feminism and women’s experiences in cities, and when I’m asked about why we need feminism, I offer one specific and clear-cut example: because women and men still experience fundamentally different realities in public, in the very spaces of our daily lives. Feminism is not the new “F-word,” it’s simply one more tool for critically examining and understanding the world we live in."
Hear more of her story personally by checking her out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Life is a Bowl of Gluten
Neena Strichart is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "Life is a Bowl of Gluten." Some might describe Neena as a 'Pollyanna with a tattoo.' She's had a life filled with joys and tragedies including the suicide of her father, and having had three marriages and two divorces (one of which was to a man 40 years her senior). She has also been diagnosed with Celiac disease. As the publisher of The Signal Tribune, she approaches life with humor and surprise!
Hear more of her story personally by checking her out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Breastfeeding Advocate Facilitates An Underground Community
Maricela de Rivera is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "Breastfeeding Advocate Facilitates An Underground Community." Having only been breastfed three months as a baby, Maricela de Rivera never intended to breastfeed past six months, and thought she might even stop before that. And she never intended to do it in public, ever. After the birth of her son she discovered the secret joys of breastfeeding, and the painful truth of doing it in public. As three months turned into six, and they approached one year, Maricela knew she wouldn't wean him and instead let him wean himself, as nature intended. This three and a half year journey has made Maricela a breastfeeding advocate. She created a closed online Facebook group in July 2012, Breastfeeding Support for Long Beach Area Moms, and invited her breastfeeding friends to join. That initial group of 52 moms has swelled to 464. Educating moms about normal infant development, the misconceptions of which are often a barrier to breastfeeding, has become her passion. She talks to friends, family and strangers about the benefits to moms, babies and the community as a whole, all while breastfeeding her own toddler.
Hear more of her story personally by checking her out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Your Memory Does Me Both Good and Bad
Luis Martinez is a featured human book at our upcoming Human Library event on May 31st. Her life's human book title is "Your Memory Does Me Both Good and Bad." His story describes the anxiety and stress of coming to college, making new friends, meeting people with common goals and ideas, and how it all was a life changing experience for him.
Hear more of his story personally by checking him out for 15-20 minutes at the Human Library event, Saturday, May 31st from 1-4pm at the Long Beach Main Public Library, 101 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802.