Introducing the elders of Long Beach

During its launch, Voicewaves published a series of profiles, written by young reporters, featuring the elders of their community. While we frequently hear about the unprecedented diversity of the young generation, these profiles reveal that a diversity of perspectives, origins and life experiences is nothing new.Long Vy, an avid gardener, remembers vividly her escape from Cambodia in the 1970s, and arriving in the United States empty handed. "Her garden here, much more modest in size and variety, is easy to take care of and she simply waters the few herbs with a hose. This is unlike earlier years when she hauled buckets full of water for her plants."Maria Rios migrated to the U.S. in the 1980s, seeking work and a better life for her family. Despite the challenges of being undocumented, she refuses to begin the process of legalization, which would require her to leave her daughter during the process without any guarantee of a safe return. “My daughter cannot survive living on her own with the minimum wage job she has.  How am I suppose to leave her alone?"John Livingston, a lifelong Long Beach resident, has seen his community change as it became a magnet for immigrants and refugees. A self-described conservative, he has employed his undocumented neighbor for over 20 years because of his hard work ethic. He believes the community's problems stem not from its changing demographics but from a lack of respect: "Everyone disrespects themselves and each other so how do they expect their kids to grow up?”Roth Prum still has dreams about the torture she endured at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, before she fled to the U.S. in 1983, and the trauma of adjusting to the way people live and speak in the community she made home.  “I want all the young generation to know that this is a true story; that this really existed.  I want justice and the truth and want the top leaders to face the trial and speak the truth.”Bunsorng Tay was among the first Cambodian refugees to take refuge in Thailand. Since coming to the U.S. he has worked as an engineer, donut shop owner and taxi driver. More importantly, he founded the Cambodian Culture and Art Association. Tompeang snorng reusey, or “the new bamboo shoots replace the old,” explains how the younger generation assumes the reigns of leadership from their elders by protecting and preserving what the older generation developed and contributed.