Explore APSC’s My Family Audio Series
A story-driven 3-part audio project about Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian families doing everything possible to breathe with ease and live freely besides the people we love.
Created by the Asian Prisoner Support Committee and APEX Express, and hosted by writer and activist Michelle MiJung Kim, My Family seeks to answer many of the questions countless families in our communities are grappling with today. Mass deportation and family separation are fueled by isolation and silence. With My Family, we aim to dismantle both with stories full of heart, compassion, and an honest look at the tangled paths many of us take to reckon with the past, rebuild our lives, and make a new place home.
Our deep gratitude extends to all the community members who shared their stories with us, even while painful to recount. Their commitment to creating stronger, more informed communities is unparalleled.
Episodes and Show Notes
My Family Ep. 1: How did we get here?
In our first episode, we talk to Roger Viet Chung to bring APSC’s longstanding Restoring Our Original True Selves (ROOTS) programfrom inside San Quentin to listeners outside. Roger is faculty in the Department of Ethnic Studies at Laney College and a founder and faculty lead of Restoring our Communities (ROC), Laney College’s program for formerly incarcerated students and justice involved juveniles. He previously served as the lead instructor and curriculum designers of ROOTS.
We also speak with NC, Pam, and T. NC was deported to Laos this past year. Pam was deported to Cambodia three years ago, and T was deported to Cambodia six years ago.
Music from episode 1, as well as related resources, can be found below in the show notes. If you are an impacted community member in California or have a family member who is directly impacted by detention and deportation, we encourage you to contact APSC at info@asianprisonersupport.org or our partners at New Light Wellness and the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants.
Listen to the episode and read a transcript.
Music:
Somleng Tro Khmer by Satiya, a Cambodian Australia singer and songwriter
Pka Kompong Thom by Satiya
Resources:
APSC Data Report on Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Asians and Pacific Islanders
Asian Law Caucus legal resources and video explainers for Southeast Asians facing deportation threats
My Family Ep. 2: What happens in ICE detention?
In our second episode, we take a closer look at what happens when people are forced into ICE detention, including after completing their sentence in state prison and transforming their lives. You’ll hear from NC, Pam, and Tony, who endured ICE detention in California and other states, as well as Elijah Chhum, executive director of New Light Wellness.
Music from episode 2, as well as related resources, can be found below in the show notes. If you are an impacted community member in California or have a family member who is directly impacted by detention and deportation, we encourage you to contact APSC at info@asianprisonersupport.org or our partners at New Light Wellness and the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants.
Listen to the episode and read a transcript.
Music:
Original composition by Joe Sin and the Angkor Wat Band. Joe is a Khmer elder and community leader in Oakland
Temple by Thao
Resources:
APSC Data Report on Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Asians and Pacific Islanders
Asian Law Caucus legal resources and video explainers for Southeast Asians facing deportation threats
USC Equity Research Institute analysis on ICE arrests of Asian and Pacific Islander Californians
We Are California: Hmong History and Cultural Studies
A special thanks to Hmong Innovating Politics for their guidance on Hmong communities’ history and refugee experiences.