In partnership with the Los Angeles Clippers, KYCC hosted Korean Heritage Night for a second year on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Staples Center (1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015) in Downtown Los Angeles. The 7:30 p.m. game against the Orlando Magic team celebrated the Los Angeles Korean American community in honor of Korean American Day, which was on Jan. 13, 2020. The event celebrated Korean culture and KYCC’s work in the diverse Koreatown community. 

KYCC staff dressed in hanboks, a traditional Korean dress characterized by vibrant colors, to greet guests and direct them to KYCC’s information booth. KYCC families and guests were gifted KYCC merchandise such as beanies, t-shirts, and waterproof cell phone cases, and were given information about the upcoming 2020 Census. Sequoyah high school volunteers helped answer questions about the 2020 Census and shared why it was so important for everyone to be counted.

Special performances during Thursday night’s game included Korean American actress, singer and model Arden Cho, who sang the National Anthem; South Korean rapper and record producer DOK2 (도끼) performed half-time entertainment, and PK Comedy emceed the special night. Students from KYCC’s Elementary Tutorial Program (ETP) stood on the court during the national anthem and had the opportunity to high-five the players from both teams before the game. Residents from the Menlo Family Apartments, KYCC’s 60-unit affordable housing building, and students from our youth programs, were given the opportunity to high-five the players in the fan tunnels at the game’s start and halftime.

“KYCC is so honored to host the Korean Heritage Night at the Staples Center with the Los Angeles Clippers again,” said KYCC Executive Director Johng Ho Song. “We are also excited for this opportunity to inform the Greater Los Angeles community about our 44-year-old organization and the tremendous work that we do for our children and families.”