Meet Tha Par, Executive Director, Burma Center of Battle Creek

Tha Par, Burma Center

Tha Par is the Executive Director of the Burma Center in Battle Creek, MI. She earned a B.A. and M.S.W. from the University of Michigan. Before her involvement with the Burma Center, Tha co-founded a consulting firm that specialized in equity and inclusion training.

 

What is the mission of the Burma Center?

The Burma Center serves refugees, primarily from Burma, and other countries, and helps them to thrive within American culture.

 

How does the Burma Center fulfill that mission?

The Burma Center recently did a needs assessment that helped us develop a five-year plan. That plan includes five focal areas. One is on our infrastructure, our physical building, our capacity, our financial strength and our staff.

Second is a strong commitment to engagement across Burma’s ethnic and tribal groups, as well as the Black, Latinx, and other communities. Like activities linked to getting out the vote, the US Census, and being a bridge between cultures.

Third, is an emphasis on health and wellness. With a focus on the prevention of diabetes and hypertension. We’re currently working with the Calhoun County Public Health Department to help with access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Fourth, is education and career navigation. We’re sensitive to the needs of first-generation immigrants and want them to successfully complete K through 12^th grades. We offer virtual tutoring and social/emotional learning.

Fifth is family empowerment. We realize there is a generational gap between Burmese parents and their children. We want to support parents and their kids in building healthy relationships with each other. We also help recent immigrants navigate the legal system with the naturalization process.

 

What Do You Wish More People Understood About the Burmese residents in Battle Creek?

First, I’d say don’t be afraid of us. When you’re building relationships [among various groups] life is better. Relationships happen when you love and grow together, with all members of the community.

 

What Could You Tell Us About the Military Coup in Burma That Occurred on February 1^st?

What America felt on January 6^th [when armed insurrectionists rioted at the US Capitol building, forcefully gaining entrance] is what we’ve been feeling since February 1^st.

It’s important to recognize that most of the Burmese residents in Battle Creek are only one or one-and-a-half generations removed from living in Burma. Many of us fled Burma for safety reasons [related to political or religious oppression]. So, what happened on February 1^st is very important to us.

Support us in our fight to promote democracy in Burma. Advocate [by contacting your elected officials] asking them for the U.S. to intervene against the coup.

[On February 1^st, the military of Burma took over the government, contesting the results of a recent national election, claiming voter fraud. There has been no evidence to substantiate this claim. Aung San Suu Kyi, who had been serving as Burma’s State Counselor since April of 2016, was placed under house arrest. Military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing has taken over the Burmese government as leader of the coup. According to the BCC, “he has received international condemnation and sanctions for his alleged role in the military’s attacks on ethnic minorities.”]

 To date, over 940 individuals have been killed by the Burmese military, including 40 children.

What About Your Own Background?

I was on the Board of the Burma Center since 2019, when Martha Thawnghmung, one of the founders of the Center, retired. I’ve been full-time Executive Director since October 2020.

I’ve very grateful for the opportunity to work with so many supporters and funders and see the positive effects of community collaboration. But I will tell you, navigating the [Covid-19) pandemic has been stressful.

 

How Can Readers Support the Burmese Center?

Financial support is always welcome! This includes support for our youth and health and wellness initiatives.

Right now, the most urgent issue is responding to what’s happening in Burma [the military coup] by asking U.S. elected officials to intervene. We need an effective U.S. strategy that explores all options to stop the coup. Sanctions are not enough.

 

Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Mention?

One critical need right now in Burma is food. A lot of workers in Burma are paid daily, but the military coup has disrupted life and many are not able to work. The Burma Center is currently formulating a response to this specific need.

To make a donation to the Burma Center, click here.

To view a copy of the Burma Center's 5-Year Strategic Plan, click here.

Update on Protests in Burma

Over 220,000 Burmese have now been forced to flee Burma as the military coup fighting intensifies. See NYTimes article 12-30-21. 

Resistance to Burman's military coup continues to fight while hiding out in jungle. See NYTimes article 9-14-21.

The leaders of Burma's military coup announced the state of emergency will be extended until 2023. Over 900 people had been killed during the current state of civil unrest. Covid-19 is ravaging Burma.  See NYTimes article 8-1-21.

United Nations' General Assembly passed a resolution Friday, denouncing the military coup in Burma. See NYTimes article 6/25/21

Since Feb. 1 over 770 individuals have been killed by Burma military. Banks and other businesses remain shut in protest. See NYTimes article 5/7/21

Since Feb. 1, over 550 individuals have been killed by Burma military. Including 40 children. See NY Times article 4/4/21

How dictatorships, like Burma's work. From NY Times. 4/2/21.

New York Times reports that over 200 people have been killed during the on-going Burma protest against the military takeover. Additionally, the general strike continues to cripple the Burmese economy.

BBC reports on March 12, that over 50 people have been killed, to date, during the Burma protests. According to Amnesty International, the military are tactics and weapons banned under international law.

Nikkei Asia News has reported several updates on the Burma protests. 

On March 3rd, according to United Nations officials, 38 people were killed in the protests against the military takeover of Burma's government. On March 5th the U.N.'s Security Council will be meeting to determine a course of action that the U.N. might take. Read the N.Y. Times update here.

Another Update: The importance of women in the anti-coup protests (published March 4). From the New York Times.

Update from Aljazeera News March 6. Protestors continue to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kayi, whose party won the November election in a landslide, but the military has rejected the results and jailed her. Civil servants who are protesting risk being fired on March 8th.