Voter Registration Drive On May 1, 2017, Korean American Coalition (KAC), 3.1 Women’s Association, 3.1 U.S.A., KOWIN-LA, Koreatown Senior & Community Center, Korean American Registered Voters Association, and Korean American Federation North Los Angeles (KAFNLA) held a press conference to encourage the Korean community to participate in the L.A City election and the Congressional District 34 election.
The aforementioned organizations will help Korean Americans register to vote at convenient locations in the Koreatown area. On May 6 (Sat.), 7 (Sun.), 13 (Sat.), and 14 (Sun.) from 2:30p.m. to 5:30p.m., there will be on-site voter registration available at Koreatown Plaza (928 S Western Ave), Galleria Market (3250 W Olympic Blvd), Koreatown Senior & Community Center (965 Normandie Ave), Hannam Chain (2740 W Olympic Blvd), and Madang Mall (621 S Western Ave). Remembering the 1992 LA Riots 25 Years Later LA City Council President Herb Wesson  On April 25, KAC's Executive Director Joon Bang had the pleasure of joining community members at the residence of LA City Council President Herb Wesson to engage in open dialogue about the 1992 LA Riots and race in Los Angeles. KAC would like to thank Council President Herb Wesson for his leadership and invitation to join this insightful event. "Remembering Saigu" at UC Irvine  On April 27, KAC's Executive Director Joon Bang took part in UC Irvine Korea Law Center's "Remembering Saigu" forum as a panelist. The panel brought together speakers from across groups and generations to speak on Saigu and its impact on the Korean American community. Statement of Unity
On April 28, KAC's Executive Director Joon Bang stood with legendary civil rights activist Connie Rice, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League Amanda Susskind, and Deputy Chief Commanding Officer Robert Arcos to present a Statement of Unity in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the LA Riots before the LA City Council. "Hands Across City Hall"  On April 28, KAC joined LA City Council President Herb Wesson, the LA City Council, and community members at City Hall. In a gesture of unity, cross-cultural support, and understanding, those in attendance stood together with hands clasped in an effort to reclaim one of the most destructive and divisive days in Los Angeles history. "Hands Across LA"  On April 29, KAC partnered with the Unification of Disabled Latin Americans for "Hands Across LA" to bring together members of the diverse Los Angeles community to join hands and promote unity, healing, and reconciliation in commemoration of the 25th year of the LA Riots. "Wet Sand: Voices from LA"  On April 29, KAC partnered with the 33rd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival to present "Wet Sand: Voices from LA." The 33rd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival takes place from April 27 to May 4, 2017 at the Aratani Theatre at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Downtown Independent, Tateuchi Democracy Forum at JANM, CGV Cinemas, and additional cinemas in the Los Angeles area. KAC Takes Action KAC #StandsUp Airbnb On Friday, April 7, 2017, the Korean American Coalition (KAC) contacted both parties embroiled in the Airbnb host and guest exchange that has since been at the center of a media firestorm highlighting the discriminatory language used by the host. On April 10, KAC held a press conference with Airbnb user Dyne Suh to acknowledge and applaud her courage in speaking out against the discrimination she experienced from an Airbnb host, Tami Barker. The screenshots of the exchange, in which Ms. Barker made racial and discriminatory remarks and denied Ms. Suh access to an Airbnb residency, went viral, and KAC offered Ms. Suh a platform to speak through this press conference. The Executive Director of KAC Joon Bang said, "We don't want to use this opportunity to vilify someone for his/her actions, rather we want to highlight the courage of Ms. Suh for sharing her story and encouraging others to speak up against discrimination."  KAC also brought attention to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center (4.29 Center) as a resource for anyone in need of mediation and dispute resolution. The 4.29 Center places special focus on working with the diverse ethnic populations of Los Angeles County to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. Media coverage: Korea Daily, Korea Times, Koreatown Daily, Radio Korea, LA18, SBS Evening News, MBC America, KBS America, RKTV On April 18, KAC commended Airbnb host Tami Barker on her formal apology. After sending her apology to Ms. Suh, Ms. Barker contacted KAC and provided a copy of her apology. Ms. Barker stepped up and formally apologized to Ms. Suh, with her attorney saying "Ms. Barker is deeply sorry for the comments she made. She asks your forgiveness for grossly stereotyping in a racist way the Asian community, and, specifically, you. Overtired and stressed, Tami made the statements out of heated frustration - but that's merely a reason, not an excuse, as she explained to me she fully understands. She knows there was no basis for her ad hominem attack." "It takes courage to admit wrong and seek forgiveness in the face of public scrutiny. Given the climate of race relations in the nation, it's up to us now to move forward and perhaps be willing to engage one another in tough conversations to bridge gaps between diverse people and communities," said Joon Bang, Executive Director of KAC. Media Coverage: Korea Daily, Korea Times Korean Immigration Forum  KAC, LAPD Olympic Division, the Office of LA City Council President Herb Wesson, and the Office of Assemblymember Miguel Santiago partnered to host an immigration forum on April 13th at MAGA Methodist Church of Los Angeles. LA City Attorney Mike Feuer, Field Representative Jackie Kim from California Assembly District 53, Deputy Jamie Hwang from Council District 10, Captain David Kowalski from LAPD Olympic Area, Deputy City Attorney Veronica Soto from the Neighborhood Prosecution Program, Senior Pastor Peter Park of Christian Total Ethos of CA, KAC Board Member Alex Cha, Esq., Korean Consul Sang Wook Park from the South Korean Consulate, and Community Development Manager Jong Ran Kim from the Korean Health Education Information and Research (KHEIR) answered the Korean community's questions and provided information about immigration fraud, immigrant rights, and the immigration process. Media Coverage: LA18, Korea Times, Korea Daily Civic Engagement Congressional District 34 Special Primary Election On April 4th, the 34th Congressional District election took place and decided the two candidates to continue to the run-offs on June 6th: Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez and Robert Lee Ahn. Gomez led with a total of 10,728 votes, and Ahn, who would be the only Korean in Congress if elected, came in a close second with 9,415 votes. Korean voter turnout is widely regarded as the reason for Ahn's impressive performance. Erroneous Korean Language Sample Ballots in Congressional District 34 Last month, KAC fervently fought to bring attention to the error on Korean language sample ballots in the Congressional District 34 election. KAC held press conference, released statements, spoke at the March 28 LA County Board of Supervisors Public Hearing, and met with Registrar-Recorder/City Clerk Dean Logan and Board Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas' staff. The sample ballot issue is now being reviewed by the Voting Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. NCLC & SCIP The National College Leadership Conference  The Korean American Coalition is pleased to announce the 37th National College Leadership Conference (NCLC). Every year, KAC brings together Korean American college students from across the nation to meet with accomplished Korean American leaders and established professionals from a variety of fields. NCLC is the perfect place to get inspired by professionals from fields like government, finance, non-profit, art, technology, law, and entertainment. NCLC's wide range of speakers offers access to information about an extensive variety of careers and ideas for what to do post-grad. For students who have already decided on a career path, NCLC provides opportunities to network with and learn from established professionals in your field of interest. NCLC also offers connection. Attendees learn about and discuss Korean American issues, identity, and history--all of which unite and connect attendees and speakers. Come meet fellow Korean Americans from all over the country, with their diversity and unique (but likely familiar) experiences. You'll learn more than you think. Wonder what we mean? See what NCLC 2016 had to say here. Make sure to apply before June 1 to take advantage of this opportunity to meet established professionals from a variety of fields, learn essential leadership skills, and get to know your accomplished Korean American peers from all over the US. 2017 National College Leadership Conference Details Date: Monday through Friday, June 19 - June 23, 2017 Location: University of Redlands, 1200 E. Colton Ave, Redlands, CA 92374 Cost: The conference cost is $395, which includes room and board. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. How to Apply: Submit the completed online application by June 1, 2017. Consideration of applications and phone interviews will take place on a rolling basis. Questions? Email info@kacla.org or call 213-365-5999. The Summer College Internship Program KAC's Summer College Internship Program (SCIP) builds on NCLC by connecting students with 8-week internships (four days a week) in Los Angeles and providing community advocacy training (one day a week). To learn more, visit our website. Attending NCLC is a requirement for taking part in KAC's Summer College Internship Program, which you can apply to here, but you can choose to attend NCLC without applying for SCIP. Applications are due June 1!! Model United Nations Southern California MUN  On April 1st and 2nd, nine of KAC's MUN students competed at USC in their final conference of the year. In competition with 400 delegates from all over Southern California, our team came home with a Best Research and a Best Delegate award. Congratulations on your hard work and all of your successes this year! We're proud to see how much you've grown. KAC would also like to acknowledge our MUN advisors, Daniel Park and John Yi, for all that they've done to support our students. Thank you! Royal Thai Consulate-General
KAC's MUN students visited the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles on April 25 to learn more about Thailand, its policies, stances, and priorities on international and domestic issues. KAC would like to thank the Thai consul-general for meeting with our students, answering their questions, and informing them of the Thai perspective. 2017-2018 MUN Applications: Now Open You've been following the progress of our 2016-2017 MUN students all year--now it's time to join the team. Applications for KAC MUN 2017-2018 are now open, so learn more about the program on our website before applying online here. Make sure to apply if you are a student, remind your children to apply if you are a parent, and share this opportunity with all of the middle and high school students you know! The application deadline is August 21, 2017, but the sooner the better. We look forward to meeting you! KAC in the News AsAm News An AsAm News article from April 2, reporting on the effects of President Donald Trump's immigration policies on the Asian community, quoted KAC's Executive Director Joon Bang on the fears in the Korean community and the impacts of such fears. KPCC On April 11, KAC's Executive Director Joon Bang was quoted on Korean American voter turnout and political engagement in a KPCC article about the results of the April 4 Congressional District 34 election. KCRW's "The Mixer" On April 14, KAC went on KCRW radio show "The Mixer" hosted by Steve Chiotakis to discuss concerns about North Korea nuclear and missile testing. KAC Executive Director Joon Bang went on air to describe how this escalation of fear affects the Korean community in Los Angeles. To listen to the segment, please click here. CNN A CNN article from April 28 depicts KAC's Alternative Dispute Resolution Director Andy Yoo's experiences of the 1992 LA Riots. Getting Involved LAPD Video Policy
Community Philanthropy John Kim Memorial Fund A community member recently contacted KAC to inform us about the passing of a beloved father, educator, and mentor in the community. If you would like to contribute to help the single income family and to help cover funeral costs, please visit their GoFundMe page here. Thank You Overseas Koreans Foundation
Philanthropy Spotlight KAC would like to highlight this month's major donors: Alex Cha Douglas Lee John Yi Thank you for your involvement, contributions, and support for KAC and the work that we do. KAC: Where Are They Now? Jeanne Min: External Affairs Coordinator (2001)  How were you involved with KAC?
I was hired to be the External Affairs Coordinator in May 2001 - Nov 2001. During that time some of the projects and issues I managed on behalf of KAC: Koreatown redistricting at all levels of government, establishing a new Wilshire Center/Koreatown Neighborhood Council, partnering with the Legal Aid Foundation of LA to provide free legal services to KAs who needed assistance with immigration, and strengthening relations with our local legislators. Why is KAC important to you? I don't believe it was an accident I started working at KAC. Though I was clueless about the makings of government or politics at that time, I quickly learned KAC gave voice to the KA community here in Los Angeles. People relied on the organization's existence. Looking back, 25 years ago, KAC was the ONLY voice speaking for the community, which was still vulnerable to racism, discrimination, and its lack of political representation. Thanks to our leaders - past and present, much has been done, but KAC is not done yet...there is still much to do. What are you up to now? After my stint at KAC, I was hired to become a field deputy with LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge (4th District). I later became his Chief of Staff. In 2013, I was tapped to serve LA City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell (13th District) as his Chief of Staff where I have been for the last 4 years. Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community? KAC has always been fighting and advocating for you. Whether you know it or not, the mission of KAC has positively impacted you. Though we have come far economically and politically, the Korean American community needs to stay engaged and be strengthened by its own diversity of beliefs/values. Only then can we also embrace other communities and continue to work for the common good.
Congressional District 34 Special Primary Election
April 4, 2017
"I believe a political awakening is occurring in the Korean American community all over the nation, but especially here in L.A.," said Joon Bang, executive director of the Korean American Coalition. "Our community is evolving and it's beginning with understanding the power of their vote."
Los Angeles Times (3/27) Erroneous Korean Language Sample Ballots in Congressional District 34 On March 24, KAC held a joint press conference with the LA County's Registrar/City Clerk's office and gave a statement (English and Korean) on erroneous Korean language sample ballots affecting solely the Korean American voters. KAC also held a press conference on March 28 to ask the Korean community to bring in their Korean sample ballots and help identify the magnitude of the problem. 
Media: Los Angeles Times (3/25), Radio Korea, LA18, Korea Daily, Korea Times, SBS, Los Angeles Times (3/27), The Rafu Shimpo
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Public Hearing
On Tuesday, March 28, KAC hand-delivered and presented a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Registrar-Recorder/City Clerk regarding the erroneous Korean sample ballots in the special election for congressional district 34. Supervisor Hilda Solis and Board Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas expressed concern and willingness to work with KAC to address the problem. Board Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas arranged a meeting between his staff, Registrar-Recorder/City Clerk Dean Logan, and KAC Executive Director Joon Bang to address the provisions requested in the KAC letter. To watch the hearing and read the statements, Click here. Media: Westsidetoday.com, Los Angeles Times
KAC Takes Action
KAC #StandsUp
In March, KAC spoke out on local issues for the Korean American community.
LAPD On March 15, KAC recognized the LAPD in the arrest of the assailant responsible for the March 10 assault of a 24-year old Korean woman (English and Korean).
Immigration
TODAY, World Bulletin, RFI, Rappler quoted KAC's Executive Director Joon Bang regarding the federal administration's policies affecting the Asian community in Los Angeles.
2017 Los Angeles Primary Election
On March 7, LA residents came out to vote in the city election. In addition to registering community members to vote before the elections and providing information about the various ballot measures, KAC endorsed Measure H, which passed with 67.4% of voters in support.
Model United Nations
Berkeley MUN
From March 3 to March 5, eight of KAC's MUN students competed against 108 schools and 1,625 students from eight countries in one of the largest MUN conferences in the world: Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN). Half of our students won awards at BMUN, bringing home four research awards, two awards of commendation, and two awards for outstanding performance. One student also won the "Critic's Choice" award in the BMUN Instagram contest! Media: Korea Daily
Civic Engagement
March Mixer
On March 2, KAC held a mixer featuring food, drink, and voter registration at Cafe Bleu. We were thrilled to have so many members of our diverse community join us, get to know each other, and register to vote! You can meet one of the community members we registered to vote here. Our next mixer will be coming up in May--stay tuned!
Voter Registration
In February and March, KAC held voter registration drives and ballot information sessions at apartments in Los Angeles to provide election information and assistance to our seniors. If you would also like to register to vote, please drop by our office or our upcoming events to get registered!
Monthly Citizenship Orientation
KAC held our monthly citizenship orientation for March to help our community members prepare for their naturalization tests and interviews. For information about next month's orientation, please contact KAC.
Thank You
Open Stewardship Foundation
KAC received a $5,000 grant from the Open Stewardship Foundation for our Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, which aims to help community members resolve a variety of conflicts. Thank you for your support!
Philanthropy Spotlight
KAC would like to highlight this month's major donors: Charlie Kim Garrett Lee CJ Kim Cafe Bleu Thank you for your involvement, contributions, and support for KAC and the work that we do.
KAC: Where Are They Now?
Paul "PK" Kim: KAC Program Coordinator (2002-2004)
Why is KAC important to you?
KAC is important to me because: 1. It's hard enough to get Koreans to agree on which restaurant to go to, let alone coming together as a community. Strength in numbers. 2. KAC registers voters. 3. I was Director of NCLC for two years and speaker for 7 years. 4. 4.29.1992 5. Charles Kim was a mentor. We disagree politically but he's still a pioneer. I respect him much. What are you up to now? I'm the Outreach Coordinator for www.leapfoundation.com. I MC/DJ weddings for Prokreation Productions. I'm a stand up comedian > www.pkcomedy.com My wife Tammy Kim is an attorney and she's brilliant. And I have three wonderful kids! Solomon 8, Sophie 5, Silas 2. I'm never not working. Is there a message you'd like to share with the Korean American community? Apathetic is pathetic. JeaLousy is Lousy. Want to know more about PK? Facebook: Personal, Page Podcast Snapchat: channelpktown KAC Takes Action KAC #StandsUp In February, KAC took stances on issues ranging from the local to the federal level. Immigration KAC took a stance (Korean and English) on the discriminatory Executive Order on immigration on February 2. Senior Safety KAC made a statement (Korean and English) regarding the assault on a Korean American senior citizen on February 1, which led to a KAC and Olympic Station joint press conference on February 14.  Know Your Rights KAC provided resources regarding immigrant rights after a series of ICE raids, which was covered by the Korea Times on February 14. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement KAC has been working with the Raids Rapid Response Coalition since the beginning of February. On February 23rd, the coalition wrote to elected officials about the issue of ICE posing as LAPD. Later that day, LA City Attorney Mike Feuer, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Council President Herb Wesson released a statement on this issue and recognized the members of the coalition. KAC's stance on ICE posing as LAPD was covered by the Korea Times on February 24. On February 22, LA18 covered KAC and the coalition's position on the recent changes to deportation.  Proposition H KAC endorsed Proposition H on February 13. The proposition is also endorsed by City Councilmember David Ryu, the Korean American Democratic Committee (KADC), and Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD). Please remember to join us on March 7 as we exercise our right to vote and make our voices heard. KAC's Program Shout-Outs Koreatown Daily KAC was covered in an article about the recent increase in demand for citizenship services. Korea Daily KAC's Alternative Dispute Resolution Center was referenced in an article by the Korea Daily.  World Korean Medical Journal KAC's Board Member Dr. Jinha Park's tribute to Dr. Sammy Lee was published in the December 2016 issue of the WKMJ. You can read the full tribute here. Civic Engagement March Mixer  On March 2, KAC will be held a mixer featuring food, drink, and voter registration. Where: Cafe Bleu Address: 3470 W. 6th St. Suite 8B Los Angeles, CA 90020 When: Thursday, March 2, 2017 from 6pm - 8:30pm Here's why you should "March" with us... join us for drinks as we register you to vote! Voter Registration  On February 15, KAC held a voter registration drive with OCA-Greater Los Angeles in front of the LA Convention Center. We registered new citizens to vote in time for the March election, and we look forward to helping more people register before the April elections! We encourage you all to come out and exercise your right to vote. If you haven't registered yet, please drop by our office or our upcoming events to get registered! Media: Korea Times (2/15), Korea Times (2/21) Collaborations and Partnerships Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coalition  KAC has been hosting and participating in a coalition that includes the Unification of Disabled Latin Americans, the Wilshire Center Business Improvement District, Fundacion Jalisco, and the Offices of Councilmember David Ryu, Council President Herb Wesson, Supervisor Hilda Solis, and State Assemblymember Miguel Santiago. This coalition was developed to help small business owners protect themselves from lawsuits that exploit ADA principles for profit. Look forward to hearing more soon! #WeAreAllAmerica  On February 3, Executive Director Joon Bang stood with community leaders from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, California Rising Collaborative, Church World Service, CLUE LA, El Rescate, Islamic Center of Southern California, Latino Coalition of Los Angeles PAC, SEIU California, and SEIU-USWW at the #WeAreAllAmerica Solidarity peaceful protest. Media: Korea Times Manhee Koju Foundation Life Grant  KAC would like to congratulate the recipients of the Manhee Koju Foundation Life Grant Awards. Working with the diverse, multiethnic community, KAC nominated three candidates in need to receive this award. Thank You  State Farm Insurance KAC received a $45,000 grant from State Farm Insurance for KAC's leadership development programs. Thank you for supporting our programs and investing in our community!  Dwight Stuart Youth Fund KAC thanks the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund for its $10,000 grant towards KAC's youth programs. Because of DSYF's commitment to investing in the future of our community, KAC will be able to better provide our youth with opportunities to learn and develop crucial skills.  Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary KAC would like to thank the directors of the SkyRose Chapel Foundation at Rose Hills Memorial Park for their sponsorship gift of $1,500. The grant will go towards providing seniors in need with low-cost to free access to our Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. Philanthropy Spotlight
KAC would like to highlight this month's major donors: Bernie Yoo Dr. Jinha Park Sue Choi Susie Oh Thank you for your involvement, contributions, and support for KAC and the work that we do. KAC's New Executive Director Dear friends and colleagues, Eight years ago on the 16th floor of an ivory brick building on Hudson Street near downtown New York City, I began my first day at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), the organization President Obama called, "...simply the best civil rights law firm in American history." My workspace and desk were far from modern. I was inheriting an antique desk covered with water markings from mugs and distressed from old age. I sat, unappreciative until the general counsel knocked on my door to welcome me to the organization. Before walking out, he casually remarked that the desk belonged to Thurgood Marshall before he became the first African American and minority Supreme Court Justice. He added that the O shaped water markings were formed by Marshall and his colleagues as they sat around the desk to brainstorm strategies to desegregate the South and litigate in the courts during the Civil Rights Movement.  Marshall argued the historic Brown v. Board of Education case before the Supreme Court, which allowed all minorities equal access to education in the United States. It was a case that changed the country. I sat stunned, fully appreciating the moment because I recognized that the work done on the desk represented the access created for minorities today, including me. As the new Executive Director of the Korean American Coalition (KAC), my hope and vision is for KAC to become the platform of access for our Korean American community. Our mission is to bring the marginalized, under-served, as well as the visible and established from across our multi-generational community together at one table to become one voice. I'd like to invite you to come and build the new coalition with us. Join us on Thursday, January 12 to hear more about what we're planning in 2017. Yours sincerely,  Joon Young Bang Executive Director Korean American Coalition Collaborations and Partnerships Asian Jewish Initiative  On December 14, KAC hosted a successful meeting of the Asian Jewish Initiative, which was led by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). KAC met with representatives from ADL, OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA), Filipino American Services Group, Inc. (FASGI), Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD), Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. (LEAP), South Asian Bar Association SABA), Wells Fargo, Loyola Marymount University, Congressman Ted Lieu's office, Councilmember David Ryu's office, the Israeli Consulate, and the Japanese Consulate to discuss future collaborative projects. Thank You Youngbum Song Foundation KAC would like to thank the Youngbum Song Foundation for contributing a $10,000 grant to our MUN program. We appreciate your efforts to promote growth, skill development, and leadership in our youth. The Kim Yong Hwan Foundation KAC would like to thank the Kim Yong Hwan Foundation for supporting KAC's activities, services, and programs with a generous $20,000 grant. |
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