Relates to designating the month of May "Korean American Family Month"

• Democratic1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Toby Ann Stavisky says this is needed

In December of 1902, 56 men, 21 women and 25 children left Korea and traveled across the Pacific Ocean on the S.S. Gaelic and landed in Hono- lulu, Hawaii, on January 13, 1903. Since their arrival, Korean Americans have taken root and thrived in the United States through strong family ties, community support, and hard work. Family values and the importance of education are at the core of Korean culture. Spef-ifically, the concept of 'filial piety," or love and respect for one's parents and ancestors, is a vital family virtue honored by Koreans for centuries. Children's Day was founded in 1923 and with it came the Proclamation of Children's Day, which contains eight requests by children to adults, such as treating children with respect and providing a caring environ- ment for children to learn and develop. On May 5th each year, parents and children spend the day together to strengthen the ties of the fami- ly. Since 1973, Koreans have celebrated Parents' Day on May 8th by presenting their parents with a red carnation and gifts. May 15th is designated as Teacher's Day. Korea has a long tradition of sincere respect and admiration for teachers, and students are taught to respect their teachers from the very first time they enter a school. The Korean American community in New York State continues to honor family values through various events and ceremonies held annually during the month of May. According to the 2010 United States Census, there are over 153,000 Korean Americans living in New York. The State of New York has benefit- ted culturally, economically, and intellectually as a result of the many contributions of its vibrant Korean American community. Therefore, it is apptopriate to designate May as Korean American Family Month.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.