Korean-American organizations throughout New York are rallying participation for a demonstration at the Bergen County courtroom in New Jersey. On March 7, attendees will support Grace Yoo Chan’s plea for a bail trial.
The Justice for Grace Foundation and the Korean American Presidents Federation announced on March 4 their aim to gather 300 participants for the parole decision hearing on March 9. Their objective is to demonstrate solidarity at the rally, following over 200 attendees at the previous event on February 7, which attracted attention from local and global media.
To organize the event, leaders from Korean-American groups in New York and New Jersey gathered at Byeongcheon Sundae restaurant in Flushing.
Twelve organizations, including the Korean American Association of Greater New York, The Korean American Association of New Jersey, Nail Business Association of New Jersey, and the Laundry Association, along with the community of Vietnam War Veterans, Korean American Pastors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Asian American Voters Alliance (AAVA), have confirmed their participation.
Should the Korean community’s support prove insufficient, the organizers will invite the Chinese and Indian communities to join.
The Korean American Presidents Federation will provide transportation to the courthouse, offering 15-passenger and 7-passenger vans departing at 9 a.m. from Canaan Bakery on Northern Boulevard in Flushing. Anticipating rain, they will supply at least 100 raincoats.
“The larger the turnout at the rally, the more it will influence the prosecutors and judges,” stated Mr. Kwak from the Korean American Presidents Federation. “It’s vital for all minorities to unite. Considering Grace Yoo’s husband is of Chinese descent, we’re organizing with that perspective in mind.”
“Prosecutors might feel the pressure,” Kwak observed. “While I can’t declare the mother entirely innocent, I advocate for her bail release to allow her trial proceedings. Her child is now two years old. She deserves the chance to care for her children. We have no concerns about Grace fleeing or tampering with evidence. If Grace were white, her treatment might have been different. This appears to be a discriminatory act against Grace Yoo Chan.”
Organizations wishing to participate can contact 646-284-2060.
BY MINHYE KANG, JUNHAN PARK [kang.minhye@koreadailyny.com]
