Strength in AAPI Heritage & Power in Unity

Hansamo was invited to perform at the "Strength in AAPI Heritage & Power in Unity" event held on June 1, 2024, at Snow Park in Oakland.

The event was organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021, a union representing over 65,000 workers across Northern California, including government employees, non-profits, healthcare support, and university staff from San Joaquin County to southern Oregon. This annual event was part of the celebrations for AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Heritage Month, recognizing and honoring the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in American history and culture. The family-friendly event featured speeches, multicultural performances, raffles, and a variety of AAPI cuisine.

Led by SEIU 1021 East Bay Vice President Yeon Park, the event included speeches from several local leaders, including Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, the first Hmong-American mayor, a representative for Congresswoman Barbara Lee of California's 13th district, SEIU 1021 member representative Tina Diep, Senior Policy Advisor to Supervisor Lena Tem, Serena Chen, and AAPI Caucus Chair Susan Li. The speakers highlighted the history and contributions of Asian Americans, urging the Asian community, which makes up a third of Alameda County's population, to unite and raise their voices.

Hansamo students introduced their group and the traditional Korean percussion instruments—Kkwaenggwari (thunder), Jing (wind), Janggu (rain), and Buk (clouds)—before performing a lively Pungmul. As 20 students played their instruments in sync, chanting energetically, they evoked images of ancestors gathering under the moonlight to boost morale and pray for a good harvest, as well as the resilience of first-generation Asian immigrants who supported each other in unfamiliar lands.

Hansamo's Pungmul performance, the only Korean cultural act at the event, added to the festive atmosphere and beautifully complemented the Chinese-American performances. The traditional rhythms and the energy of the performance embodied the event’s theme of celebrating AAPI heritage and unity.

Although the students and parents were busy preparing for final exams, they felt it was deeply rewarding to represent Korean culture at such a meaningful event and to see the audience’s enjoyment.