The concept of Korean American empowerment is both simple and complex. At KAC, we
believe the very first step in empowering our community comes from registering to vote.
KAC was established in 1983, and our roots began with voter registration drives and voter
education for the Korean American community in Los Angeles.

It has been 25 years since KAC's inception and our core commitment to empowerment for
the Korean American community has not changed.  We still believe that voter registration
is a critical factor in empowering our community. KAC is proud to say that over the
decades, we have grown from a single organization to a national organization. Currently,
we are 16 chapters strong and growing.   

On April 29, 1992, after the Los Angeles riots created a major upheaval in the Korean
community with losses of hundreds of Korean-owned businesses that were estimated to
value more than $400 million, we as a community felt devastated and isolated from the
broader American society. We felt that the police and fire departments deserted us, tax-
paying citizens, because our voices were not heard. It was somewhat of a wake-up call for
us to become more engaged in politics at all levels.

KAC has taken the lead in being the voice for the Korean American community with
regards to the broader community when acts of racism or failure of justice occurred because
of our heritage. We acted when ridiculous statements were made by Jay Leno and when
defamatory language was used against us by former ambassador Andrew Young, who
falsely accused Korean American merchants of selling inferior and spoiled foods.

KAC took the lead in responding to mainstream media after the Virginia Tech tragedy and
is currently leading the efforts to obtain justice for the family of Michael Cho, who was
shot by police officers in La Habra, Calif.

KAC's commitment to be a voice and work on behalf of the Korean American community
will continue. We hope you will help us strengthen our community by voting in each and
every election and joining our local chapters as we continue to register more Korean
American voters. Please join us in the voter outreach and registration drives!