Honor Korean Independence Centennial

Assembly Resolution No. 19 BY: M. of A. Kim COMMEMORATING the work of the Korean American Association of Greater New York and its President, Minsun Kim, for their historic work in advancing the interests and well-being of the Korean American community of New York, and honoring their visit to the State Capitol of New York in Albany WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and commemorate those illustrious organizations and individuals of the State of New York whose focus and intent have had a substantial impact on the many, diverse residents of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The Korean American Association of Greater New York was founded in 1960 as a non-profit to advocate for the welfare and rights of over half a million members of the Korean American community of Greater New York; and WHEREAS, Korean Americans, who form a large, vibrant community in New York, represent a long and storied part of the American fabric, having made numerous contributions to science, law, business, art, and many other fields; and WHEREAS, The Korean American Association of Greater New York acts as an umbrella organization for over 500 other Korean American groups that provide assistance and services in numerous areas, such as culture, education, and community outreach, for people of all ages and socioeconomic status; and WHEREAS, Minsun Kim was elected to serve as the 34th President and the 35th President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York; as the first female leader of the organization, she has successfully led it towards achieving numerous goals of long-standing consequence; and WHEREAS, The Korean American Association of Greater New York and President Minsun Kim have endeavored to advance the causes of women's equality and the principles of democracy, and spearheaded efforts to recognize the historical legacy of Yu Gwan-sun and her importance in the March 1st movement; and WHEREAS, Yu Gwan-sun, introduced by Alice H. Sharp, a missionary sent from New York to Korea, attended the Ewha Women's School, Korea's first women's educational institute established by an American missionary, where she learned the American values of freedom, justice, equality and human rights, and became a national symbol of human rights movement; and WHEREAS, The Korean American Association of Greater New York and President Minsun Kim will be joined by a variety of organizations and their representatives in visiting the New York State Capitol in Albany on January 15, 2019; and WHEREAS, Many Korean Americans in the State of New York maintain profound ties to other members of their community, both in America and around the world, and through their family and culture; this visit represents a momentous event for both them and countless other New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate the historic occasion of the visit of the Korean American Association of Greater New York and President Minsun Kim; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate March 1, 2019, as the Centennial of the March 1st Movement, and to honor the lasting impact of Yu Gwan-sun's legacy as one of the youngest female human rights movement leaders; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Moon Jae-in, President of South Korea; Minsun Kim, President of the Korean American Association of Greater New York; and the Korean American community of New York.