The Korean American Association of Southern Maryland launched its first meeting Saturday evening at the Waldorf Jaycee Community Center in Maryland in front of about 200 people.
The first annual gathering featured a variety of cultural events, including Korean traditional dancing, instrument performances and an American band named “Air National Guard Band of Mid-Atlantic” from Pennsylvania.
Tammy Pantages, president of the organization, said she wants to help Koreans become better American citizens and develop the community to make it a more livable place for every one.
“Sometimes you need to educate American community about Korean culture,” she said.
The goal of the organization is to organize, provide leadership and help educate Korean Americans, so that they can engage in greater number of community activities and accept larger responsibilities.
Pantages said she started the organization this June to promote diversity in a place where not many minorities have settled down.
The event started with Lim Lee-jo’s performance entitled, “Dance for the Souls of the Victims of Katrina.” His dance was organized to send those affected by the hurricane to a place they belong to in a peaceful matter.
Lim Lee-jo is a well-known performer in the ROK, who has learned under the most prominent Lee Mae-bang. He has won many pretigious awards, including a presidential one.
Although the stage lacked many essential qualities such as lighting, Lim said he was glad to be able to show a part of Korean culture to audience.
“I thought I can be a little help in informing the public of our culture,” he said.
Traditional instrument players Won Na-kyoung and Kim Byung-man also filled the hall with Korean music, taking part in the cultural mission.
The nearly four-hour long event sent a clear message to the community that a new Korean American organization was born and promised its active role in the community.
By Chi-hyun Cho
