PANDEMIC PERSPECTIVES FROM THE US

The US has soared ahead to become the world leader in both Covid-19 cases and deaths. We hear from Cambodian diaspora living across the country about the multitude of ways the virus is impacting their lives

The�Cambodian American Literary Arts Association�is a Cambodian diaspora organisation that aims to preserve and enrich historical, social, spiritual, and cultural values for Cambodian communities around the world. The following is a collection of short personal accounts of the lockdown from its members situated across the US. While the Globe takes the utmost care to publish accurate information, by the nature of these first-hand accounts we are unable to independently verify their accuracy.

Joan Chun
Pueblo, CO

At the beginning of 2020, the Cambodian American Literary Arts Association (CALAA) was anticipating an amazing year filled with outreach and networking events, the official launch of our literary arts magazine, The Stilt House Zine, writing workshops, and Khmer New Year celebrations. As a founding member of CALAA, I was determined to keep the momentum of the organisation going. Thinking outside of the box became mandatory and a commitment to success has allowed CALAA to stay connected with the community through social media, online platforms, and old school snail mail. 

CALAA remains committed to educating and empowering Khmer and multicultural communities through the literary arts movement, as well as to supporting Khmer and multicultural writers and literary artists. But as positive as I want to be, reality sinks in.

Follow the story at https://southeastasiaglobe.com/covid-19-cambodian-diaspora-us/