Early Spring Global Initiatives Events
Over the past several months, I have had the pleasure of hearing lectures from Cambodian Genocide survivor Arn Chorn Pond, and author Vanessa Hua. Both speakers had experiences that distinguished themselves as people speaking out for representation of people that haven't been given a platform to share their voices before. Additionally, providing a voice for underepresented groups can help heal the broken or hidden identities for so many.
Arn Chorn Pond grew up in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime with oppression controlling his creativity and happiness. He attributed his survival of the genocide to his connection with music. Not only did it provide him with a form of expression during a time that was ruled by oppression, but he found that passing down music and lullabies preserved Cambodia's history prior to the regime. He has spent his time since the downfall of the Khmer Rouge Regime using music to remind the people of Cambodia of their identity as well as using music to act as a form of art therapy.
Vanessa Hua has written many short stories and novels that share stories that feature people who don't fit into the typical white character trope. One of her most recognized novels, A River of Stars, tells the story of a group of pregnant Chinese women struggling with the juxtaposition of pleasing their societies versus themselves. She realized that as a writer, it was important for her to give a voice to people that have not been featured in mainstream literature or entertainment in the past.
I learned so much about sharing stories (or music) as a way keep the history and identity of those alive. I am so lucky to have heard from Arn Chorn Pond and Vanessa Hua, and I am so thankful for the contributions they have made to our society.
Arn Chorn Pond grew up in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime with oppression controlling his creativity and happiness. He attributed his survival of the genocide to his connection with music. Not only did it provide him with a form of expression during a time that was ruled by oppression, but he found that passing down music and lullabies preserved Cambodia's history prior to the regime. He has spent his time since the downfall of the Khmer Rouge Regime using music to remind the people of Cambodia of their identity as well as using music to act as a form of art therapy.
Vanessa Hua has written many short stories and novels that share stories that feature people who don't fit into the typical white character trope. One of her most recognized novels, A River of Stars, tells the story of a group of pregnant Chinese women struggling with the juxtaposition of pleasing their societies versus themselves. She realized that as a writer, it was important for her to give a voice to people that have not been featured in mainstream literature or entertainment in the past.
I learned so much about sharing stories (or music) as a way keep the history and identity of those alive. I am so lucky to have heard from Arn Chorn Pond and Vanessa Hua, and I am so thankful for the contributions they have made to our society.