TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING APRIL 2025 AS CAMBODIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN GUILFORD COUNTY
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Commissioner Frankie T. Jones, Jr.
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Cambodian American community has played an integral role in enriching the cultural and economic landscape of Guilford County since the arrival of Cambodian refugees in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge genocide, rebuilding their lives and contributing to this community’s diversity and growth; and
WHEREAS, since 1986, Wat Greensboro has served as a cultural and spiritual epicenter for Cambodian Americans and the broader Southeast Asian community, fostering the preservation of traditions, language and intergenerational cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, the Cambodian Association of North Carolina (CANC) continues to advocate for civic engagement, educational advancement and community empowerment, ensuring that Cambodian Americans in Guilford County and beyond have equitable access to resources and opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the Cambodian Cultural Center of North Carolina (CCC of NC), under the guidance of Wat Greensboro, has been instrumental in preserving and sharing the rich artistic and performing arts traditions of Cambodia, particularly through the teaching and promotion of classical and folk dance, which serve as vital expressions of Cambodian identity and history; and
WHEREAS, April holds profound significance for the Cambodian community, marking the observance of Cambodian New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey), a celebration of renewal, gratitude and cultural pride, as well as a solemn period of remembrance for those who endured and survived the Khmer Rouge era; and
WHEREAS, language accessibility is a fundamental pillar of equity and public safety, and through the efforts of CANC, North Carolina has become the fourth state in the nation to provide a Khmer-translated Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handbook, and Guilford County recognizes the importance of language access in ensuring public safety, civic participation and economic mobility for all residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners does recognize April 2025 as CAMBODIAN HERITAGE MONTH in Guilford County and encourages all residents to celebrate the resilience, cultural heritage and contributions of the Cambodian American community.
ADOPTED this the 3rd day of April 2025.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Adopt resolution celebrating April 2025 as Cambodian Heritage Month in Guilford County.
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