Recently our Economic Development team went to the Building CAPACD Convention in Chicago. Here is our Career Connector Thearina's refection on her experience:
"During my time in Chicago at the CAPACD Conference, I was given the opportunity to listen in on presentations and participate in thoughtful conversations around how Tacoma and Long Beach communities came together to work against displacement of their beloved community spaces such as: The Lincoln District-- a central shopping area for the Asian community in Tacoma, WA where a large population of AANHPI is present. Cambodia Town-- another central community gathering area and shopping center for various communities of Color in Long Beach, CA. With discussion based around historic redlining, housing disparities, and etc., there was nurturing conversation regarding local Southeast Asian business owners and community members that spoke to the power of solidarity that occurs through collective community effort.
I also had the amazing opportunity to visit the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and got to experience the playing of a traditional Khmer instrument I usually only see played on DVD as a young Khmer girl. A few Khmer elders even sang the national anthem to us, which was such a touching moment for me. Having my work coincide with my identity as a Khmer-American, and daughter of Khmer refugee is truly a privilege that I'm very thankful for.
Overall, this was both a humbling and gratifying experience. Being reminded I have so much to learn outside of what I know, and what I want to learn/implement in the work I'm currently doing. I left Chicago feeling immense gratitude! Thank you National CAPACD for hosting the WCCDA."
About CAPACD:
The Building CAPACD Convention is a unique, biannual gathering of community development practitioners focused on supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities with low incomes. This event brings together hundreds of leaders and allies from across the nation to learn, network, and drive local and national change.
This year's convention will be held in Chicago, IL, highlighting the stories of AA and NHPI communities in the Midwest, an area with one of the fastest-growing AA and NHPI populations but historically underrepresented in mainstream narratives. The theme, "Our Places, Our Stories," will explore storytelling rooted in cultural traditions to preserve histories, address impactful issues, and create spaces of belonging for future generations.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Midwest communities, share their own stories, and collaborate on strategies to preserve neighborhoods and promote a just and inclusive country for all communities of color.