Armenian and Korean immigrant communities have been living side by side in the pockets of Los Angeles for decades, but beyond the namesakes of Little Armenia and Koreatown, they’ve quietly and mutually called the Crescenta Valley home too, the Glendale News Press reported.
According to the information, about a year-and-a-half ago among community leaders an idea came up to collaborate on a multicultural festival, but it seemed like a non-question.
With the help of James Pak, representing the Korean community, and Arick Gevorkian, from the Armenian community, A two-day event will be held on Sept. 15 and 16. In the event includes Korean and Armenian BBQ, dance groups, martial arts exhibitions, traditional wedding displays, cultural arts and craftsm so on and so force.
Arick Gevorkian said that it was not only to form strong bonds between Armenian and Korean-Americans, but to use this festival as a tool for letting others know the benefits of working together, instead of against each other.
Pak in his turn said “We want to let other communities know how two different nationalities can come together and work harmoniously to bring a strong community with benefits,” said Pak, adding that the partnership is especially important for future generations in the city.”
Gevorkian stressed that an important factor of this event is to showcase how immigrant communities have become so deeply and positively intertwined in the fabric of our cities, while advocating for mutual understanding.
Along the way, Pak and Gevorkian have realized how similar Armenian and Korean communities and the values they uphold are.
