File #: Res 0653-2003    Version: Name: Historical significance of 100 years of Korean immigration to the U.S.
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Committee: Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
On agenda: 1/8/2003
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution recognizing the achievements and contributions of Korean Americans to the United States over the past 100 years and designating the year 2003 as the Korean American Centennial.
Sponsors: John C. Liu, Yvette D. Clarke, James E. Davis, Simcha Felder, Lewis A. Fidler, Robert Jackson, Miguel Martinez, Michael E. McMahon, Hiram Monserrate, Michael C. Nelson, Bill Perkins, Christine C. Quinn, Kendall Stewart, David I. Weprin, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., James F. Gennaro, Alan J. Gerson, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., Diana Reyna, James Sanders, Jr., Helen Sears, Jose M. Serrano, Albert Vann, Tracy L. Boyland, Larry B. Seabrook
Council Member Sponsors: 25
Attachments: 1. Committee Report, 2. Hearing Transcript, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 4/30
Proposed Res. No. 653-A Title Resolution recognizing the achievements and contributions of Korean Americans to the United States over the past 100 years and designating the year 2003 as the Korean American Centennial. Body By Council Members Liu, Clarke, Davis, Felder, Fidler, Jackson, Martinez, McMahon, Monserrate, Nelson, Perkins, Quinn, Stewart, Weprin, Brewer, Comrie, Gennaro, Gerson, Recchia, Reyna, Sanders, Sears, Serrano and Vann; also Council Members Boyland and Seabrook Whereas, In December 1902, 56 men, 21 women and 25 children left Korea and traveled across the Pacific Ocean on the SS Gaelic, landing in Honolulu, Hawaii on January 13, 1903; and Whereas, The early Korean American community was untied around the common goal of obtaining independence for their colonized mother country; and Whereas, Furthermore, in the early 1950's, thousands of Koreans, fleeing from war, poverty and political repression, came to the United States seeking opportunities; and Whereas, Korean Americans, like waves of immigrants that came to the United States before them, have taken root and thrived in the United States through strong family ties, community support and hard work; and Whereas, According to the 2000 United States Census, Korean Americans own and operate 135,571 businesses across the United States, with gross sales of $46 billion annually, and employing approximately 334,000 individuals; and Whereas, Korean Americans have made tremendous contributions to all sectors of our society, such as law, government, the visual and performing arts, business, academia, and medicine and science, including the development of the first beating heart operation for coronary artery disease; and Whereas, Korean Americans have invigorated businesses, churches and academic communities around the country; and Whereas, Additionally, members of the Korean American community have served with distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States; and Whereas, New York City, in particular, has been culturally and socially enriched as a result of the many contributions of its vibrant Korean American community; and Whereas, The triumphs and unwavering efforts of dedicated individuals have advanced the Korean American community and the community-at-large through outstanding advocacy, sterling achievement and an unfaltering dedication to societal well-being; and Whereas, Beginning in 2003, more than 100 communities throughout the United States will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes the achievements and contributions of Korean Americans to the United States over the past 100 years and designates the year 2003 as the Korean American Centennial. WA:bg D-Res. 2002 LS#1615 4/24/03 |1013| |1013|