On April 29, 1992, the streets of Los Angeles were filled with angry, violent citizens. Civilians were killed, shops were looted, and property was damaged. The riots also caused fear to rise up everywhere, so much that according to a Los Angeles Times survey conducted eleven months after the riots, almost 40 percent of Korean Americans said they were thinking of leaving Los Angeles.
20 years later, a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the LA riots was held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Glory of the Lord Church in Los Angeles. This was hosted by the SAIGU (4/29) Committee, which is a group made up of Korean Churches for Community Development and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, along with more than 50 multi-ethnic civic and community leaders from across the state, The ceremony started at 3:30 p.m., with even Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa attending. In all, more than 1,000 people participated, including people of Jewish, Latino, black, and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
“Today is a great day with wonderful weather as well,” said Byun Yeong-ik, chairman of the Council of Korean Churches in Southern California. “However, 20 years ago today, gunfire, smoke, and cries of grief filled us with sorrow. We must make sure something like this does not occur again. In America, Los Angeles is famous for its multi-ethnic communities. We must respect each other’s culture and history, as well as strive towards living with one another. Let us go hand in hand to make sure that there is no possibility of a repeat of that day, and to promote understanding and cooperation. Hold hands with our Korean community to strive towards racial harmony and serving a multi-ethnic society with a humble heart.”
The event was filled with happiness, singing, and unity. Each ethnic group sang songs in a different language to symbolize racial harmony and cooperation. The Crenshaw Elite Choir also participated, singing “Hand in Hand” as one of their songs to go with the theme.
“I think this was a wonderful idea because it really seemed to open up everyone to the serious reality of racial discrimination and separation between ethnic communities,” said Moses Yoo, resident of Los Angeles. “I remember the riots when they happened just a few miles away from my home, and I’m glad that people are taking such great steps to strive towards peace and racial harmony.”
