Honoring the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia (KAAGP) for hosting a "Korea in Philly" celebration in recognition of its 50th Anniversary and the opening of the Korean Consular Office in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, KAAGP will host a joint celebration, “Korea Week in Philly,” on April 30, 2022 at Montgomery County College. The event begins a week of Korean cultural activities in Philadelphia that will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of KAAGP and the recent opening of the Korean Consulate in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, KAAGP was created to support and advocate for the growing number of Korean immigrants with their cultural and economic assimilation into American life; and

WHEREAS, KAAGP has worked tirelessly through the decades to serve as the go-to resource for the local Korean American community, whether it be by bridging language barriers, assisting with the formation and growth of Korean American businesses, or connecting Korean American students with scholarships and financial aid; and

WHEREAS, KAAGP was instrumental in bringing a Korean Consular Office to Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The New York consulate office has received support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea by providing three cultural performances at the event including: the Han Box fashion show (introducing the life of Koreans), traditional Korean dance performances, and a Taekwondo demonstration; and

WHEREAS, Over 40 Korean American associations from the area will also be present to offer information on their mission and ongoing activities; and

WHEREAS, A primary goal of the celebration is to showcase the proud heritage of the 80,000 Koreans living in the Philadelphia area, and showcase Korean culture to the general public; and

WHEREAS, The Mid-Atlantic section of the National Association of Korean Schools will provide a variety of Korean educational materials including: Arts and Crafts, Calligraphy, Korean Unesco World Heritage, and Korean traditional theater and instrumental performances; and

WHEREAS, Additional sponsors and supporters of the celebration include: Valley Forge Tourism Convention, Montgomery County Community College, the Overseas Foundation of South Korea, the National Association of Korean schools, Thomas Jefferson Hospital, KAGRO International Philadelphia, National Association of Asian American Professionals, Asian American Chamber of Greater Philadelphia, PA Health and Wellness, the Korean School Association, the Korean Beauty Supply Association, the Korean Chamber of Commerce and many others; and

WHEREAS, KAAGP continues to lead the way as a voice and vital resource for Korean Americans. Its ongoing leadership ensures the local Korean American community will continue to thrive in the coming years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia (KAAGP) for hosting a “Korea in Philly” celebration in recognition of its 50th Anniversary and the opening of the Korean Consular Office in Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the KAAGP organization and the Korean Consulate of Philadelphia, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

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