FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024
Media contact: Rachel Koelzer (rachel@nakasec.org / 213-703-0992)
Washington, D.C. – Today, as we reflect on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, we must acknowledge the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety that many of us are experiencing. Donald Trump and JD Vance’s victory marks a significantly tense moment, particularly for Asian American, immigrant, and historically and presently-marginalized communities who bore the weight of hostility and harm during his previous administration.
The National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC), and NAKASEC Action Fund remain unwaveringly committed to advocating for the rights, dignity, and safety of Asian Americans and immigrants. To our community members, we are with you and will be here for you for what likely will be challenging times.
“Since 1994, we have organized and pushed for immigrant rights, and since 1996, we have centered civic engagement as a core tenant of our work,” said NAKASEC Co-Director, Becky Belcore. “We understand that civic engagement is an important aspect of our commitment to racial, social, and economic justice, which in addition to electoral mobilization includes deep education, organizing and advocacy. We will build toward an inclusive and safe future, and our work and commitment to our community remains strong. We will advocate for and protect each other, regardless of administration and Congress.”
“Although times ahead may seem difficult, we must not lose sight of our shared strength and power,” reminded NAKASEC Co-Director and DACA recipient, Jung Woo Kim. “We organized strongly against the previous Trump administration, and we will again. Together, we will continue to fight against policies and rhetoric that undermine our humanity, and we will continue to protect and advocate for our communities. Our networks of support are formidable, and together we can create a future where all residents of this country are treated with respect and justice.”
“We acknowledge the very real anxiety and pain that many in our communities feel today, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand together and support one another in solidarity,” said Danae Kovac, Executive Director of HANA Center. “HANA Center in Illinois was formed in 2017 at the beginning of Trump’s previous administration, and we have navigated similarly challenging times. Our community is resilient. We will continue to build community strength and power, advocate for policies that support our communities, and provide critical social services and supports. Together, we will keep fighting for a world where our Asian American and multiethnic immigrant communities can thrive without fear.”
“Today sucks – plain and simple. We have two and a half months before a new administration and Congress steps into power. Our job now is to prepare and organize,” said Sookyung Oh, Executive Director of Hamkae Center. “Together with community members, we will defend Asian American and immigrant communities, we will block Trump, we will make progress locally, and build power for the years ahead. To do that, I ask we stay level-headed, connected, and healthy. Because meeting the upcoming challenges ahead is going to require all of us to come together in purpose.”
“Our organizations exist for moments like these,” stated John Park, Executive Director of MinKwon Center for Community Action. “We have built the base and infrastructure needed to meet this moment with care, compassion, vision and our relentless commitment to movement building for the long-term.”
“I thank the Woori Center and NAKASEC Network staff, boards and volunteers for their tireless work to organize our communities,” remarked Mel Lee, Executive Director of Woori Center. “History continues to prove we are a resilient community, always trying and never giving up. When we give up, they win. We move forward with the fierce hope inspired by our everyday community members and will organize with them here in Pennsylvania and nationally to protect our rights.”
“For many in our communities, the election results bring a renewed sense of urgency and concern. A Trump-Vance administration presents a real threat to the rights, dignity, and safety of Asian American, immigrant, and marginalized communities across Texas and the country. But we have faced these challenges before, and we will continue to stand together with resilience, determination, and a commitment to justice,” said Hyunja Norman, Executive Director of Woori Juntos. “We refuse to let fear dictate our future. Instead, we will mobilize, we will organize, and we will ensure that our communities are protected and heard.”
Founded in 1994, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC)’s mission is to organize Korean and Asian Americans to achieve social, economic, and racial justice. The NAKASEC Network is HANA Center (Illinois), Hamkae Center (Virginia), Woori Center (Pennsylvania), MinKwon Center for Community Action (New York & New Jersey), and Woori Juntos (Texas).
NAKASEC Action Fund engages in policy and legislative advocacy to protect and strengthen the nation’s laws and policies regarding civil rights, immigrant rights and human rights.
Hamkae Center is a community-based organization with a mission to organize Asian Americans in Virginia to achieve social, economic, and racial justice. Alongside its community members, Hamkae Center works to build a future in which low- and middle-income, immigrant, people of color, and all marginalized communities can fully participate in U.S. society and work together as makers of lasting change.
