History
Early Roots
Incorporated as a non-profit in 1983, KAC advocates for the interests of the
1.5 million strong Korean American community. As recent immigrants and members of
an ethnic minority group, Korean Americans face many barriers in their pursuit of full and
meaningful participation in American society. KAC was established to serve as the vehicle to
overcome those obstacles.
KAC's priorities have remained untouched since inception: advocacy, empowerment, outreach,
organization, education and a multi-generational collaboration. As a bilingual and non-partisan
membership organization, KAC has been able to bridge the inter-generational gap and galvanize
multi-generations of Korean Americans into taking action.
Organizational Growth
One of the major turning points in KAC's history was the 1992 Los Angeles Riots when KAC
emerged as the voice of the Korean American community. KAC represented concerns of the community
that had been devastated by inner-city violence to the mainstream media, elected officials, and
government agencies. With a $500,000 grant from New York Life Insurance Company, KAC provided
relief assistance for affected businesses and increased advocacy efforts on behalf of the underrepresented
and underserved Korean immigrant community. Since then, KAC has strived to expand its reach and
capacity to address rapidly growing community needs and become the voice of all Korean Americans.
Milestones
Throughout the years, KAC has developed various programs aimed at empowering and educating the
community. Over the course of more than 20 years, KAC has registered more than three fourths of Korean
American voters, processed nearly 30,000 citizenship applications; coordinated forums, seminars, workshops
on legislative, political and social issues; has sponsored over 200 college internships; and graduated
more than 800 college students through the leadership conference. KAC has also continued to develop
relations with media, government agencies, and elected officials. In addition, KAC has developed and maintained
collaborative partnerships with the leaders of other ethnic communities
National Expansion
In 1993, KAC took its first step towards national representation, beginning with the Cerritos Chapter.
It would take another four arduous years for this dream to begin to take shape with the addition of
an office in Washington D.C. and the launch of three chapters in Sacramento, South Bay and Orange County.
Shortly thereafter, the KAC expanded its national network to include chapters in Alaska, Arizona,
Hawaii, San Francisco, Colorado, Chicago, Cerritos City, Los Angeles, Dallas Fort Worth, and Atlanta; with
affiliate organizations in Seattle, New Jersey/New York and Houston. And we are happy to announce that
Austin, Texas will also be joining us as our latest chapter. Currently, KAC is working with leaders
in Boston, Kansas City, Miami, New York City, Portland, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City to establish
new chapter charters.