the los angeles riots were a painful time in our country's history.
Thirty years ago, the violence of Los Angeles Riots erupted as a result of failure of government, law enforcement, and even the media to act responsibly. Communities were pitted against one another destroying lives, communities and livelihoods. 63 lives were lost, 12,000+ arrests, 3,000 businesses destroyed, and over a billion dollars in property damage were incurred. For the Korean community who incurred almost 50% of the billion dollars of property damage and 65% of all destroyed businesses, they witnessed the fragility of the American dream as their life’s savings and dream were burned and destroyed in the ashes without political or police protection.
In response, FACE launched the SAIGU campaign in 2012 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Los Angeles Riots to build bridges of understanding and to combat myths that keep communities divided. Since it's launch we have commemorated the 20th and 25th anniversary of the LA Riots. To see these past campaigns click here.
FACE is pleased to kick-off our SAIGU 30 Campaign to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the LA Riots this year. As with the 20th & 25th, we will be hosting a series of events and we invite you to join us for our campaign!
See videos from our past campaigns:
SAIGU 30 Campaign Unity Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
The Unity Interfaith Prayer Breakfast brought together a diverse, multi-ethnic group of faith leaders to pray for healing and unity of the various impacted communities during the LA Riots.
Break the Silence: SAIGU
Thirty years ago, Los Angeles erupted in violence. Fifty-three (53) lives were lost, 2,000 businesses destroyed, and over a billion dollars in property damage incurred. Communities were pitted against each other, with the resulting violence destroying families, communities, and livelihoods. The Korean community incurred almost 50% of the $1,000,000,000 of property damage, witnessing the fragility of the American dream.
SHARE YOUR STORY:
VOICES FROM THE LA RIOTS
For past SAIGU campaigns, FACE worked to uplift the powerful and diverse voices in the community by highlighting stories of those present and/or affected by the 1992 LA Riots through our 'I Am #FACEofLA' Social Media Campaign as well as the SAIGU "Legacy Project" which was a historic partnerships with KoreanAmericanStory.org.
FACE would like to, once again, showcase the diversity of Los Angeles and provide YOU, the community members, a platform to share your stories from or as a consequence of the LA Riots. We hope to foster understanding, greater healing, and unity through your stories, for the betterment of our community moving forward.
(See examples of both past I Am #FACEofLA & KoreanAmericanStory.org Testimonies below.)
I Am #FACEofLA
"For me, the LA Riots sparked my interest in running for office and winning my first elected position as a Member of the Inglewood City Council. It also reminds me of my responsibility and obligation to be the bridge over the ashes of ignorance that can bring power together to empower others. To that end, I thank FACE for keeping the torch of peace, prosperity and unity illuminated in the hearts and minds of all of the diverse members of our community."
-Jerome Horton, Former CA Assemblyman
Past SAIGU campaigns
The following are from past SAIGU anniversary campaigns.
Sponsors
Honorary Committee
SAIGU Campaign Co-Chairs
Planning Committee Members
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Najee Ali | Community Relations, Operation Hope
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Angie Aramayo | Community Business Manager, Office of Mayor Garcetti
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Eric Asiedu | Director of Product & Sales Development, First Citizens Bank
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Chiae Byun-Kitayama | Administrator, LAUSD Koreatown-Pico Union Community of Schools
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James Cho | International Student Director, Grace Mission University
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Carol Chung | Clinical Supervisor, LA County Dept. of Health Services
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Jamie Chung | Office Manager, PAVA World
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Isaac Cuevas | Director of Public Affairs, LA Archdiocese
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Lem Daniels | Vice President, Morgan Stanley
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Jos Ferguson | Co-Chair, FACE
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John Gamboa | Board President, California Community Builders
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Grace Yuan Gao | Student Journalist, USC
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Keren Goldberg | Consultant/Podcast Creator & Host, Program Development Innovation
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Candyce Ha | Community Outreach Specialist, FBI (LA Division)
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Yonah Hong | Community Volunteer
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Jerome Horton | President, Poverty Prevention Alliance
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Charles Jung | Executive Director, APAs vs. Hate
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Hanna Kang | Graduate Student, USC
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Adnan Khan | President, Council of Pakistan 501c3
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TC Kim | President, Korean American Foundation of Glendale
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David Kim | Congressional Candidate
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Serapia Kim | Central Area Rep., Office of Mayor Garcetti
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Mary Kohav | Vice President, Jewish Federation of Greater LA
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Songhwan Kwon | Deputy Consul General, Korean Consulate
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Larissa Lam | Director, Giant Flashlight Media
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Natalie Layless | Executive Director, The Diane E. Watson Center for Compassionate Intervention
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May Lee | Founder of Lotus Media House/Host of the May Lee Show/Professor, USC
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David C. Lee | CEO & Founder, Rogue Red
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Leila Lee | Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, LA Mayor's Office
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Daniel Lee | Attorney at Lee & Oh, APLC
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Kandee Lewis | CEO & President, Positive Results Center
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Vinnie Malcolm | Managing Director, The JAVM Group
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Sal Martinez | Commissioner, LA County
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Jack Miranda
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Won S. Myung | President, PAVA World
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Pauline Nishida | Partnering Catalyst/ Convener, Cru City
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Jeannette Ruiz Mayes | Loan Officer, SVB
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Najuma Smith-Pollard | Assistant Director, CMC
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Steve Wesson | Managing Director, University Partnerships and Village Ombudsman, USC
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Lisa Williams | Pastor, San Pedro United Methodist Church
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Jeffrey Yim | Community Sponsorship Program Manager, Home for Refugees USA
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Grace Yoo | Attorney, Law Offices of Grace E. Yoo
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Jiwan Yoon | Consul, Korean Consulate General in LA
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Rachel Zaiden | Director of Civic Engagement, Jewish Federation
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Bob Zdenek | Senior Advisor, CCEDA