[Today is the 32nd anniversary of the LA riots] “I will not forget”… Inheriting the meaning of 4·29 to the next generation
2024-04-29 (Monday) Reporter Han Hyeong- seok
▶ Youth education discussions held by organizations such as the LA Korean Association
▶ “Spirit of Participation and Coexistence” Korean-Black Harmony Scholarship
Korean students are talking about the history and lessons of the LA riots with Days of Dialogue officials at the April 29 Riot Next Generation Forum held at the LA Korean Association on the 27th. [Reporter Park Sang-hyuk]Today, the 29th, marks the 32nd anniversary of the 1992 LA riots, which were recorded as the worst ordeal in the history of the Korean American community. 4·29, which caused tremendous shock and damage to the first generation of Korean immigrants to the United States 32 years ago, prompted the Korean community to reflect on the current state of the community and pass on its meaning to the next generation of second and third generation Korean Americans who did not directly experience the riots, and hope for mutual understanding and mutual understanding. The task left was to strengthen the practice of racial harmony. In that sense, on the 27th, the LA Korean Association held the 4/29 Next Generation Debate, where Korean students gathered together with a multiracial dialogue forum, adding meaning. This debate was co-hosted by the Korean American Association with Days of Dialogue, an organization that promotes debate and civic participation in the LA community. In this debate, in which about 20 Korean students participated, under the leadership of Los Angeles Korean Association President James Ahn, Senior Vice President Steve Kang, and Days of Dialogue officials, the participating students were divided into two small groups and discussed five key topics. Additionally, the representative student from each group had time to freely present what the group talked about or what they felt. The topics of discussion on this day were ▲Experience of living as a Korean American ▲Thoughts on the April 29, 1992 Riots ▲What are some ways to prevent it ▲How you and your community can respond to injustice ▲Diversity and Equity ), the impact of inclusion on life, etc. Students said it was a special opportunity to talk about things they don’t usually learn at school. Ted Jeong (10th grade, The Science Academy’s STEM Magnet) student said, “We sympathized in many areas and had interesting conversations on many topics. “I think the 1992 LA riots are something we can never forget because they are a historical event that actually happened in our past,” he said. “In particular, this debate will discuss how we can bring and apply this past history to our lives now.” “It was meaningful to discuss the topic and talk about Korean history with other students,” he said. Ryan Kim (9th grade, Immaculate Heart High School) said, “I have never had such a detailed conversation about the experience of living as a Korean American. And it opened my eyes to many topics, including immigration history. “This debate was also a time to form bonds as Korean Americans,” he said. Logan Lee (Rosemont Middle School 8th grader) said, “We live in an era where there are various racial boundaries that are still difficult to bridge. “What was most impressive was the discussion about individual perspectives on this and how we can change it,” he said. Additionally, on the 32nd anniversary of the LA Riots this year, organizations representing the Korean and Black communities will jointly conduct a next-generation scholarship project to strengthen harmony and cooperation between the two communities. The LA Korean Association announced, “Together with First AME Church, which is the focal point of the black community in LA and has a long-standing partnership with the Korean Association, we are conducting a scholarship project to recommend three prospective college students from each community and award mutual scholarships.” The selection criteria are students from low-income families who have demonstrated exemplary activities in each community, and the handover ceremony will be held at the LA Korean Center at 11 a.m. on the 29th. < Reporter
Han Hyeong- seok >
Newsessentials Blog 
Posted on April 29, 2024
0