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Los Angeles, CA – HalfKorean.com held a meet on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the historic Korean National Association (KNA) building in Los Angeles, California. This highly anticipated event since the first meet in 1998 will become an annual event. Attendees not only came from the Los Angeles area, but from all over California including San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area. A wide age range was in attendance from the mixed Korean community which allowed for multiple generations to be represented. The purpose of the meeting was to be able to allow people to meet face to face and create friendships and networking opportunities. Along with the social part of the meet, HalfKorean.com wanted to present Korean-American history and knowledge along with an upcoming project by a partner organization. A guided tour of the KNA museum was led by key speaker Philip Ahn “Flip” Cuddy. Much of the history involves his own family including his maternal grandfather, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho. We were also pleasantly surprised to be able to have the privilege to meet Flip’s mother and important Korean-American pioneer, Susan Ahn Cuddy. All those who attended had the opportunity to learn Korean & Korean-American history through this tour. There were many historical documents, pictures and other items on display and helped enhance the experience of walking through the building. Frankie Legoski discussed the Amerasian Act of 1982 and how it has benefited many of those of mixed Asian descent immigrate to the United States. However, there are flaws in the act such as other Asian countries currently excluded, limitations on qualifications for immigration, etc. Frankie’s vision is to see that this is rectified. Tia Legoski presented her organization, “Amerasian Unity Foundation”, as well as their focal project “Journey to Motherland” which is a group cultural experience trip back to Korea in May/June 2010. This trip will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. The main objective is for mixed Koreans looking for their birth parent along with Korean adoptees both “full” and “mixed”. This is also a great event for any mixed Koreans who would like to go to Korea as a group as this is an excellent opportunity for people to visit Korea with others if they have never been to or have not been in some time. Afterwards, attendees feasted at a local K-town restaurant. A great time was had with Korean BBQ and soju consumed. Dinner was followed with singing at a noraebong (karaoke). Thank you to all that attended and also those whom helped spread the word regarding the event. A very special thank you goes to Flip Cuddy and Frankie & Tia Legoski for their support, time and efforts. Also gratitude is given to Randy Sunwoo at the KNA building for allowing us to host our meet at the facilities and Korea Times for covering the event. HalfKorean.com strives to continue to facilitate a community for people of mixed Korean descent. This 2009 meet marks the revitalization of the website and lays the foundation for future events. |
 
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