Searching for Justice with James Fox and Special Guest, Phoeun You

Our guest this week on our webinar/podcast series is Phoeun You. Phoeun You is a Cambodian genocide survivor and refugee who grew up in Long Beach, CA. His family survived the Cambodian genocide by fleeing to a refugee camp in Thailand. Upon arriving to the U.S. as a child, Phoeun faced discrimination as an immigrant. His family endured poverty and violence living in Long Beach. Phoeun joined gangs for protection and belonging. At 20, Phoeun’s only method of defense and survival was violence. Phoeun’s younger family members were bullied and attacked by a rival gang. In response to an attack on him and his family, Phoeun opened fire with a firearm, resulting in his incarceration.

After serving 25 years, Phoeun was recommended for early release by the Board of Parole Hearings in recognition of his commitment to service, mentorship, and rehabilitation. On his release date, our state prison system (CDCR) cruelly contacted ICE to arrest Phoeun to detain and deport him. Phoeun longs to go home to reunite with his family. 

This conversation is hosted by James Fox, Founder of Prison Yoga Project and yoga mentor to Phoeun You.
Thursday, January 26
5:00 – 6:30 PM PST
RSVP HERE: https://community.prisonyoga.org/event/searching-for-justice-with-james-fox-and-special-guest-phoeun-you/

Phoeun will discuss his life experience and how it led to his unjust deportation, his experience of being involved in yoga while at San Quentin, and how he continues to apply what he gained from yoga in his life now.

Please take a moment to read this beautiful article about Phoeun You: https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/news-resources/perspectives/hnh-phoeun-you-2023

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