IG Live: Ethnic Intimidation
On July 5th, 2021, the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia (CAGP) received an anonymous letter threatening gun violence specifically targeting the Cambodian community of South Philadelphia. Here we are going to recap the conversation between psychiatrist Dr. Heng Guo of Philly Solidarity and Sarun Chan, Executive Director of CAGP on the situation and community demands.
CAGP Background
The association was founded in 1979 mainly by refugees who are still members today. Their work is intergenerational and their mission is to provide programs spanning social issues, education, youth, elderly and health services.
Situation Background
On around June 30th, an anonymous typed letter was dropped off at the South Philadelphia CAGP office without a return address by an individual that self-identified as a marine veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“I served 6 years in the Marines and did 4 tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have severe stress and anxiety and now have flashbacks and uncontrollable thoughts. I do own several guns that I have locked up but I want to take a gun and go down there and kill these individuals who are setting the fireworks off… I am writing you to let you know when I do freak out and kill all these people it is your fault for not going to them and encouraging them (it is in their best interest!) to STOP doing this and remain alive!”
CAGP swiftly responded by reporting the incident to the police, informing the local neighborhood (regardless of whether they were Cambodian), organizing with other Cambodian organizations, and mobilizing city resources.
Cambodians and Cambodian-Americans suffer from high rates of PTSD due to experiencing genocide and being displaced from their home country as refugees. This threat of gun violence caused hypervigilance in the neighborhood, as well as cancellation and avoidance of events at the local park.
A press conference attended by community leaders and elected officials was held at Mifflin Square Park on July 9th (video linked in the links section).
Police later identified the individual as a 79 year old woman who lived in the area. She now says that she is not a war vet, does not suffer from PTSD, and does not have guns. Although a perpetrator has been reportedly identified, this investigation is far from over. No charges have been pressed.
This incident is not just a threat to the South Philadelphia Cambodian community but also to the broader Philadelphia community. CAGP has worked with the community at large to develop 4 demands following this incident.
Community Demands
Accountability of the individual who sent the threatening letter for the impact of their violent language, impersonation of a veteran, and weaponization of mental health; this includes a full and transparent investigation that is centered around the community impacted
Collaboratively work with city agencies, officials, and local organizations to create more equitable accessibility to mental health resources and communication
Prioritization of this community in regards to investment of resources (for example: funding and grant opportunities) that specifically builds capacity within the community by the community
We call for institutional and systems-wide anti-racist and equity-building training and implementation from the city level because we recognize the impact of these larger institutions on BIPOC communities
➻ Accountability
People make mistakes but accountability still needs to be had. One letter, one person, unraveled 40 years of historical trauma, rooted in war, displacement, and racism. There needs to be some form of accountability, apology, and acknowledgment by the perpetrator(s) and they need to work with the community they hurt.
It also isn’t just a letter. It’s symbolic. How we address this letter can set the precedent on how we handle hate towards an entire Cambodian and Asian community. NOT calling this a crime or having consequences minimizes the impact that ethnic intimidation, threats and acts of hate have on communities, and sends the message that these types of threats can continue to happen without severe consequence.
How are we going to start healing our community? We can start by having full transparency of the investigation. The community impacted should know what is going on and what are the next steps that are being taken.
“The FBI has defined a hate crime as a ‘criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.’”
➻ Accessibility to Mental Health Resources
Mental health was weaponized by this incident. It paints the wrong picture that people who suffer from PTSD are dangerous. Furthermore, Cambodians and Cambodian Americans suffer from high rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Using trauma and violence to threaten this community was especially hurtful and triggering.
The elders and families of the community were pushed out of their country during the genocide. They were displaced from one refugee camp to the next losing, family and friends throughout the process. After not having a place to call home for many years, they were then dropped into America without proper help or resources.
It’s important that city leaders and agencies understands the importance of getting resources to the community. Resources that look, speak, and relate to the people.
It’s not as simple as passing out pamphlets at general workshops, the city need to deliver the resources straight to the people. Often times, there is little knowledge of and access to the available resources.
➻ Investment of resources
Best practices and cookie cutter methods will not work. Each community is different and have different needs. The city needs to work with the actual community to leverage the expertise of both the city and the community to build a program that makes the most sense and impact.
➻ Systematic change
Even though these conversation started because of a threat to the Cambodian community, we recognize that it is not just the Cambodian community that needs the help and resources. We want to include the other minority communities we grew up along side with to make sure they also get the resources they need.
There needs to be solid change at the top. We don’t just want new departments to check a box off a list. And we don’t want to have to continue to repeat the same things every time we get a new elected officials, superintendents, etc. It feels like we’re constantly restarting. Leaders needs to be educated by their system.
How to Support
Learn more about the community and association by visiting their website/Facebook, talking to community members, attending events
Offer your skills and services that the association may need
Support the food markets at FDR Park
Explore South 7th Street, the unofficial Cambodia-town. There are many longterm businesses that have been there since the 90s from restaurants to tailor shops
Donate
Follow this story/investigation
Join us to make our voices louder
Links 🖱
Watch the full IG live discussion on Youtube below: