[Student Reporters] The KAC's LA Riots Commemoration, "Eat + Greet"
Jonathin Shin / Flintridge Prepatory School 11th
On Thursday April 29th the Korean American Coalition (KAC) held the "Eat + Greet" event in remembrance of the L. A. Riots.
Grace Yoo the Executive Director of KAC in Los Angeles helped introduce the event by stressing the importance of unity among all races. The purpose of the event was to use food to unite different people together.
Rafael Gonzalez Mayor Villaraigosa's Associate Director of Neighborhood and Community Services also attended the event and recalled being in the neighborhood as the riot took place. He described it as "a confusing time" and the need for tolerance and cultivation for the community. He exclaimed that the Kogi Truck was a shining example of two different cultures combining to create food for everyone to enjoy. Another focus of the event was to stress easier sustainable eating in Los Angeles and to make fresh produce a daily effort. Al Renner the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Community Garden Council presented the opportunities available in community gardens and the positive effect they have on the community. He was also a victim of the L.A. Riots who saw his house burn down from the roof of another building. Commander Andrew Smith and Captain Matt Blake of the LAPD commented on the event and the L.A. Riots as well. Commander Smith stated how glad he was to see change and the progress that the Korean American community has gained. Captain Blake a member of the gang unit during the L.A. Riots also declared a 20% violent crime reduction in Korea Town due to the efforts of the Olympic Police Station.
Captain Emile Mack of the Fire Department commented on how the young inherited the memories of the L.A. Riots and how it was important that they understand such a significant moment in Korean American history.