NEWS OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN COMMUNITY
01:00 AM EST on Monday, November 7, 2005
On Nov. 9, 1953, Cambodia received its independence from France. There will be a celectation of Cambodian Independence Day with stories and crafts on Thursday, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Smith Hill Branch Library, 31 Candace St.
For information, call (401) 455-8164.
The Elderly Services Program at the Socio-Economic Development Center for Southeast Asians, 270 Elmwood Ave., recently held a workshop for seniors to explain changes to Medicare Part D and the Rhode Island Prescription Drug Payment Assistance Plan. Eighty participants received information regarding the enrollment process and learned what changes will mean. Two more workshops will be planned.
For information, call Maya Men or Oudone Chantharangsy, (401) 274-8811, ext. 22.
Classes offered: SEDC is accepting students for ESL classes and citizenship classes. ESL classes meet Moday through Tnursday, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Citizenship classes are held Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Both classes are free. Space is limited. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information, call Winnie Fox, (401) 274-8811, ext. 10.
Lead training: SEDC offers free lead training seminars to Southeast Asians who own rental property built before 1978. These classes are required by law and are offered in Cambodian, Hmong and Laotian. Classes are scheduled Nov. 21 and 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon, at SEDC.
For information or to register, call Rosa LaPorte, (401) 274-8811.
'SEAsons of Migration: War, Displacement, Resettlement, Deportation," the Southeast Asian Heritage Series at Brown University, offers a variety of events this week. The schedule:
Today:
Southeast Asian Heritage Series Convocation, List Art Building, 64 College St., 7 p.m.
After an introduction by coordinators, Cindy Beavon and Pam Beavon, Brown students Cami Benedicto and Rahul Keerthi will speak on the Southeast Asian community at Brown. Hmong musician Choua Yang will perform. Ra Chun, vice president of the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, will share his experiences growing up in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge revolution, living in refugee camps, and his journey as a gangster, deportee and community organizer.
Keynote speaker is Doua Thor, executive director of the Southeast Asian Resource Action enter, Washington, D.C. Thor and her family moved to the United States from Laos as refugees in 1979, and settled in Detroit. She is vice chair of the board of directors of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum.
For information, visit the Web site www.searac.org
Tomorrow
Prach and Zawadi, The Hour Glass Cafe, 75 Waterman St., 7 p.m.
Prach Ly was born in rural Cambodia and was displaced with his family to Long Beach, Calif. In 2003, he released an album, Dalama The Lost Chapter, which sold 100,000 copies. Through rap music, he educates listeners about the Cambodian genocide and the life in the Cambodian community.
Zawadi is a duo of performance poets from Providence, drawing inspiration from the international hip-hop movement. Zawadi's poetry is grounded in their view of the artist as an activist, aspiring to improve the life of family and community.
Related links: www.lovezawadi.com
www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/cambodia/ly.html
Wednesday
One Voice: A Strong Clear Vision, art opening and Southeast Asian identity roundtable discussion
The Blue Room, 75 Waterman St., 6 p.m.
An exhibit of artwork by local Southeast Asians memorializes the past, captures the present and expresses hope for a bright future.Brown's Southeast Asian Coalition and the artists will have dinner and discuss Southeast Asian heritage and identity.
Friday,
Filipino Alliance movie screening, Jose Rizal, Smith-Buonanno building, 94 Cushing St., 9 p.m.
Saturday
Legends of the SEA, Saloman 101, College Green, 7 p.m.
The annual presentation of traditional Southeast Asian dance and music will be given by the Vietnamese Student Association, Filipino Alliance, Thai Student Association and others. Refreshments will be served.
For information, call Cindy Beavon, (401) 935-5431, or Pam Techataibul, (401) 714-6009.
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