Koreatown Spotlight

The city of Los Angeles is a patchwork of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. TogetherLA is an avid supporter of people of diverse backgrounds and contexts coming together around common passions that help the Los Angeles area to be restored and flourish. Powerful things happen when cities, businesses, faith institutions, non-profits, and the community work together. We hope to continue seeing collaborations grow, thrive and transform LA for the common good. Below are some inspiring organizations and collaborations that are making an impact in Koreatown.

Koreatown is primarily a Korean commercial district, and is home to many immigrants bringing culture, business, and positive impact to the city. The district was officially designated in 1980, starting as a small stretch on Olympic Boulevard and spreading into Wilshire Center and other neighboring districts, thanks to its booming businesses, population, and cultural impact. 

Fusion Leaders (30 minute conversation)

In 2016, Bill Tom, a SoCal business leader, woke up in the middle of the night with a clear and compelling vision to create space for Christians in the marketplace to come together. He gathered a group of leaders from diverse business backgrounds to make this vision a reality, which became the advisory board for a full-fledged non-profit, Fusion Leaders. 

Each month, the local corporate host for each branch holds gatherings (currently online) for local Christian business leaders with three intentions: to build relationships that cross denominational, industry, age and gender divides; to foster encouragement between members in navigating the marketplace from a Christian perspective; and to leverage relationships to find quality services for their clients outside of their scope. 

Fusion Leaders now has four branches: Koreatown (hosted by Ethos Society, a communal workspace), Glendale, Irvine and Anaheim. They’re also in the early stages of expanding to San Diego and the Bay Area. 

Ktown For All

Homelessness is plainly one of the biggest issues in the Los Angeles area. Many are working to address it, often in ways that are disconnected from people who are experiencing homeles. Ktown For All was actually founded in opposition to an anti-shelter movement in Koreatown. Their objective was to involve and lift up the voice of those who are homeless. Their work prioritizes building relationships with those they serve, as well as political advocacy and allying with other resources focused on homelessness. Ktown For All sets an incredible example for the importance of not just working in response to an issue, but alongside those that the issue affects. 

Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance 

Kiwa.org

KIWA came to life in the early 90s, just weeks before civil unrest washed over Los Angeles. It began as a response to the exploitation of Korean and Latinx workers in the neighborhood, as well as the poverty and inequality throughout Los Angeles. Their campaigns have helped expose modern-day slave labor sweatshops, win restitutions for workers, and helped organize works in the restaurant and supermarket industries, which makes up about half of local employment. KIWA has also done work on housing, development policies, and community planning

Today, KIWA continues to work toward social change, and are involved in organizing, advocacy and service to improve the lives of low-wage immigrant workers. Their efforts continue to make an integral impact in Koreatown and beyond.