Some attendees had traveled from out of state specifically to witness the proclamation of Hapa Day. They celebrated the establishment of LA’s Hapa Day, expressing their satisfaction that there is finally a designated day to recognize and embrace their unique identities.
Councilmember John Lee (12th District), who proclaimed May 19 as Hapa Day, expressed, “This is a personal day for me. It is important that we all celebrate this day and not categorize them into one group or another, but accept and stand with them for who they are.”
Following the proclamation, a Hapa dancer with Korean and African-American parents performed a dance routine.
Yoon-Mi Hampton from Georgia, a Hapa individual with Korean and African-American parents and currently a city councilwoman in Lilburn, shared her sentiments, stating, “As a Hapa, this means a lot to me and fills me with pride.” Hampton learned about the proclamation event through a report in the Korea Daily and traveled to Los Angeles to witness this historic moment. She expressed her intention to actively advocate for the establishment of a Hapa Day in Georgia.
Evon Jang, a parent of a Hapa child, attended the event to learn about the history and significance of Hapa. She expressed her gratitude to the individuals who put in considerable effort and passion to make this day possible.
Community activist Yonah Hong, who played an active role in supporting the establishment of Hapa Day, shared, “I have many nieces and nephews who are Hapa. I have seen them struggle with feelings of not belonging and confusion about their identities. From today onward, I want them to feel proud of being Hapa.”
Tiajuna “Tia” Legosky, founder of Hapa Nation One, stated, “We will continue to advocate for the establishment of Hapa Day in California and in Congress. We aim to make it a day of respect and pride for our children.”
The proclamation was followed by a reception at Tom Bradley Hall on the 26th floor of City Hall, hosted by the City Council. The reception featured a performance of “Hapa Nation,” composed by Joey Ko, the leader of the Ktown Jazz Band, which consists of Hapa musicians.
The resolution to establish Hapa Day was proposed in early April by Hapa Nation One, a collective of first-generation Hapa individuals, and was introduced by Councilmembers John Lee (12th District) and Nithya Raman (4th District).
BY NICOLE CHANG [support@koreadaily.com]
