A seminar aimed at strengthening the political influence of the Korean and Latino communities was held on September 7 at the Aroma Center in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
The event, attended by around 70 participants, included Korean-American youth from the Hwarang Youth Foundation, former and current Korean-American politicians, Latino officials, and leaders of nonprofit organizations.
During the seminar, attendees discussed the immigration history of both communities and how they have been working to expand their political power within American society.
The event was co-hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles (Consul General Youngwan Kim) and the Consulate General of Mexico (Consul General Carlos González Gutiérrez).
The seminar featured a panel that included Paul Seo, City Councilmember of Rancho Palos Verdes; Kevin Park, Santa Clara City Councilmember; Mark Keam, former Virginia House Delegate; Veronica Perez, President of Mercury Public Affairs.
Mark Keam, former Virginia House Delegate and current head of the Korean American Institute (KAI), remarked, “The Korean community has reached a historic turning point, marking 120 years of immigration history. Currently, we have four Korean-American members in the U.S. House of Representatives, and this November, we may see the election of the first Korean-American Senator in U.S. history.”
He added that the United States seeks change through political participation and legislation, and if Korean-American voters cast their ballots and elect Korean-American politicians, the voices of minority communities can be incorporated into policies.
Additionally, the speakers encouraged maintaining minority identity and actively participating in local community activities in America’s multi-racial and multi-cultural society.
Marisol Rodriguez, Director of External Relations for StreetLA, shared her own experience, saying, “Starting from middle school, I took part in city government environmental cleanup internships. I learned that small actions and efforts can bring about change in our community. It is essential to be aware of who represents us in city, state, and federal government and to understand how political issues affect our daily lives.”
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
