The Korean American Coalition Los Angeles (KAC) celebrated its 40th anniversary with the theme “Belonging” at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles on November 11, vowing to play a pivotal role in the Korean American community.
“The KAC works to protect and enhance the civil rights of the Korean American community,” said Eunice Song, Executive Director of the KAC. “Our biggest mission is to promote Korean American civic engagement to raise the voice of Korean Americans.”
The event also featured conferences on Asian hate crimes and the importance of Korean immigration history and policy.
Panelists included Dr. Jeanie Chang, Founder of Your Change Provider, PLLC; Connie Chung Joe, President of Asian American Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL); Jinyoung Lee Won, Filmmaker; Jenny Kim Park, Diversity and Inclusion Executive at Bank of America (BoA); and Candice Cho, AAPI Equity Alliance Managing Director.
“During the pandemic, more than 11,000 Asian hate crimes were reported nationwide, with over 4,300 in California alone,” said Connie Chung Joe, discussing the Korean American community’s response to Asian hate-related crimes. “After the Chinese, Koreans have been the most victimized group, but the reporting rate is significantly lower,” she added.
“We need to raise our voices and advocate for ourselves to change society,” she emphasized. “It’s not just about me; it’s about the community, and we need to find a way to report and respond justly together.”
The event also included an introduction to the history of Korean immigration.
Director Jinyoung Lee Won screened and discussed the documentaries “Words of Wisdom from the Rainbow State” and “Songs of Love,” highlighting the stories of Hawaii’s lesser-known ancestors and descendants.
The recently released ‘Songs of Love’ depicts the sacrifices and love of immigrant ancestors through music, recounting the early history of the sugar cane and pineapple plantations, photo brides, and the leprosy of Kalaupapa, featuring violins, violas, guitars, etc.
KAC also emphasized the importance of policy for the future of the Korean American community at the event.
“Policy is an important course of action to create a better environment for us personally and socially,” said Candice Cho of AAPI’s Equity Alliance. “We need to vote to show we care about our community, and we need to make our voices heard so that the Korean American community’s voices are heard.”
At the gala, the Luminary Awards were presented to Dr. Chester Chang and Dr. Cameron C. Chang, and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Keith S. Kim and Grace S. Kim, past president of the Sacramento Korean American Coalition.
“We wanted to take this conference as a time to reflect on the current issues facing the Korean American community, to educate and improve ourselves, and to reflect on the influence of the Korean people,” said Eunice Song. “The biggest reason we were able to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Korean American Coalition is the unwavering interest and support of the Korean American community. We will continue to be the voice of the Korean Americans and contribute to the development of the Korean community.”
BY YEJIN KIM, JUNHAN PARK [kim.yejin3@koreadaily.com]
