Assembly Resolution No. 889

BY: M. of A. Kim

COMMEMORATING the Museum of Korean American
Heritage and its president, Minsun Kim, for their
historic work finding, uniting, and curating a
collection of 150 years of Korean American
emigration history, and honoring their visit to the
New York State Capitol in Albany

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative to honor and
commemorate those illustrious organizations and individuals of the State
of New York whose focus and intent have had a substantial impact on the
many diverse residents of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Minsun Kim was elected to serve as the founder of the
Museum of Korean American Heritage, and as the first president of that
organization, she has successfully led it towards the establishment of
the first and only museum to commemorate the Korean American immigrants;
and

WHEREAS, Korean Americans, who form a large, vibrant community in
New York, represent a long and storied part of the American fabric,
having made numerous contributions to science, law, business, art, and
many other fields; and

WHEREAS, Many Korean Americans in the State of New York maintain
profound ties to other members of their community, both in America and
around the world, through their family and culture, and this visit
represents a momentous event for them and countless other New Yorkers;
and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 1919, people from all across Korea participated
in widespread marches protesting colonial rule in accordance with the
Korean Declaration of Independence, and March 1, 2024, represents the
105th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement; and

WHEREAS, Yu Gwan-sun, introduced by Alice H. Sharp, a missionary
sent from New York to Korea, attended the Ewha Women's School, Korea's
first women's educational institute established by an American
missionary, where she learned the American values of freedom, justice,
equality and human rights, and became a national symbol of human rights
movement; and

WHEREAS, Yu Gwan-sun participated in the March 1st Movement, and
became a key organizer and figure in further protests in Cheonan, which
spurred the expansion of the March 1st Movement across the Korean
Peninsula and throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, The city of Cheonan has established a museum and memorial
hall commemorating Yu Gwan-sun's birthplace and honoring of her
unwavering determination and the indomitable spirit of the March 1st
Movement; and

WHEREAS, Through her life and deeds, Yu Gwan-sun has become a
renowned figure of history in Korea's struggle for independence and

self-determination, and her sacrifices and dedication are worthy of
universal praise; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
commemorate the Museum of Korean American Heritage and its president,
Minsun Kim, for their historic work finding, uniting, and curating a
collection of 150 years of Korean American emigration history, and
honoring their visit to the New York State Capitol in Albany; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Minsun Kim, President of the Museum of Korean American
Heritage; Park Sang-don, Mayor of Cheonan; and the Korean American
community of New York.