As Washington gears up for a debate on immigration reform, and the DREAM Act once again becomes a focal point for easing the draconian laws that have shattered so many families over the years, Asian American youth are campaigning in New York City to protect and empower undocumented youth. On Wednesday January 30th, KORE (Korean Americans Organized for Reform and Equality), a partner of the MinKwon Center for Community Action, is holding a benefit concert to raise education scholarship funds for undocumented immigrant youth in the Asian Pacific Islander community. The concert takes place from 6-9pm at Toshi’s living room (1141 Broadway), and features a range of young performers and musicians. Go here for more information.
Here are a couple of the artists on the bill:
Taiyo Na, hip hop artist: “My body of work traverses across music, film, theater and poetry to narrate the inner and outer lives of immigrants and people on the margins of society.”
Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai, poet: ”It always excites me when I’m able to use my artistic work in support of social change work. The DREAM Act and the movement of young people across the country who’ve been motivated to organize, develop leadership, create strong networks in service of this legislation is truly inspiring to me. We are in a shifting world now that is far more global and connected than ever before. It speaks to the strength of this generation that young people are coming together to recognize that and really acknowledge all of the different people that are a part of making America. The DREAM Act is just one step forward in a much larger continuum of work that must happen in order for this country to value our diverse communities.”