Nil Hul, was a grocer in Long Beach, CA and LA County employment consultant when he ran for a Long Beach City Council seat in 1986. He was the first Cambodian in the United States to run for office. He didn’t win, but he was not disappointed. His purpose was to lead the way for other Cambodians to become involved in local politics.
In 2005, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, a group of Long Beach Cambodian leaders came together to raise money for the Red Cross to help the victims. From left to right are Peter Long, Sophois Sokhom, Sweaty Chap, Richer San, Sithea San, (names unknown). They knew what it is was like to lose everything and have to start again and were moved to help. The group raised close to $20,000 for the Red Cross.
In 2005, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, a group of Long Beach Cambodian leaders came together to raise money for the Red Cross to help the victims. They created this flier in English, Khmer, and Spanish and held a fundraising event at MacArthur Park. Ms. Sophois Sokhom reported the outcome to the Long Beach City Council on October 4, 2005. The following is a portion of her speech:
“We have all been shocked by the images on television depicting the disasters in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, but how many of us can really imagine what it is to face death, to lose everything, and to start life over again? The unfortunate history of Cambodia means that most people in our community know exactly what the hurricane victims are going through. Our hearts go out to them, and we felt the need to help. As of last Friday, September 30, we have given the Red Cross $16,000 and money is still coming in quickly. We estimate that from this single event, we will be giving almost $20,000 to the victims of hurricane Katrina. The event was co-sponsored by 6th District City Council woman, Laura Richardson’s office with support also by 1st District council woman, Bonnie Lowenthal. … Thank you all for welcoming the Cambodians to Long Beach 20 years ago. I am here to say that our community is growing strong, and we are now reaching out to help others as you have helped us. Thank you.”
Mr. Pich Yon, surrounded by young Cambodian American performers, received a Heritage Award from the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific at its annual Southeast Asia Day in October 2008. The award recognized him as a steward of Cambodian culture through preserving Cambodian art as well as through his service to the community. Pich Yon is one of the founders of the Cambodian Association of America (CAA) and served on its board for more than 30 years.
