Photo courtesy of We Are the Next from the Retro Row Talk the Block event.

This Saturday, local nonprofit organization We Are the Next will host “Talk the Block”, the third iteration in a series of neighborhood events paying tribute to the immigrants, minorities and small business owners working in Long Beach, highlighting entrepreneurs whose contributions are traditionally under-recognized.

Those who purchase tickets to any Talk the Block are able to learn more about the people who live and work in a specified Long Beach community, and are also supporting the nonprofit’s youth programs. This week’s Talk the Block seeks to raise awareness of Cambodia Town’s cultural history.

“Cambodia Town is a substantial part of Long Beach’s development in the last 50 years,” Executive Director Katie Rispoli Keaotamai said in a statement. “This neighborhood is at the center of our city, and we are excited to share its history and community with a broader base of Long Beach residents.”

During the event, attendees will hear from those who championed the movement to formally give “Cambodia Town” its name, representatives from the new Midtown Business Improvement District and Long Beach Transit, as well as participants of the Arts Council for Long Beach’s Cambodia Town Mural Project.

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Breakfast, a beginner’s lesson to the Khmer language and a behind-the-scenes look at the Khmer book collection at the Mark Twain Library is included with a ticket purchase.

We Are the Next has hosted two prior Talk the Block Events, one recognizing the female entrepreneurs behind Retro Row, and another at Sweet Retreat Donuts and V.I.P. Records.

Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at the door, or in advance via the website here. 

Check in will begin at 10:00AM at Apsara Café, located at 2015 East Anaheim Street.

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