Project by Project Southern California
NEWSLETTER

Aug/Sept
2005

III. Survivors of Slavery & Trafficking

In light of CAST's mission, to provide healing and resources for the victims of slavery and trafficking, the following excerpt of an inspiring and informative article at www.SGVTribune.com
(http://www.sgvtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,205~12220~2992916,00.html) by Esther Chou and Robert Iafolla is a testament to the inner strength and resilience of the human spirit.

The article provides us with an update on the status and success of several victims of the 1995 El Monte sweatshop case, when 72 Thai nationals spent years confined to an apartment compound turned garment factory. On Aug. 2, 1995, federal, state and local authorities raided the compound and brought the problem of human trafficking to the forefront of local and national politics. The El Monte case ignited a workers' rights and anti-sweatshop movement, advocacy organizations have worked to expand awareness, and moved community activists to establish CAST, the first established organization in the United States that is exclusively dedicated to serving survivors of trafficking and offers the only shelter in the United States exclusively for survivors of trafficking with funding from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).

Many of the former workers now have their own businesses, work in healthcare or continue to work in the garment industry.

"Since she was liberated from the El Monte sweatshop 10 years ago, Sukanya Chua-Ngan, 45, has finally discovered America. "I feel good that I can do whatever I like to do, love to do,' she said. "I was glad to finally have my freedom and to see the real America.'

Chua-Ngan was one of 72 Thai nationals confined to an apartmentcompound turned garment factory. On Aug. 2, 1995, federal, state and local authorities raided the compound and brought the problem of human trafficking to the forefront of local and national politics.

Chua-Ngan, who lives in North Hollywood, said she doesn't like to think about the two years and six months she lived in cramped quarters and sewed garments under slave-like supervision.

Instead, she focuses on the future. She and her husband, Win Chua-Ngan, also a former sweatshop worker, own two restaurants, Win's Thai Cuisine, in Van Nuys and North Hollywood.

Rojana Sussman, a former worker who now lives in Pasadena, said the group of 72 has seen the birth of 24 children in the last 10 years, including her 4-year-old son."

To find out more about CAST and it's need for kind-hearted volunteers, please visit their website at www.castla.org.

IV. Profile of a Volunteer

Verna Lin is just wrapping up her first year with PbP SC. She's on the Steering Committee working on the Corporate Sponsorship Team, and directed this year's Silent Auction with team member with Stephanie Chun at the 2005 Food & Wine Tasting to benefit our partner, Coalition Against Slavery & Trafficking (CAST).

Thanks to their aplomb, dedication, resourcefulness and rhetorical skills, Verna and Stephanie worked extensively to collect items of top quality and uniqueness for the Silent Auction, from an evening at the Playboy mansion to vintage wines to designer necklaces. Though numbers are still waiting to be finalized, this year's Silent Auction has raised at least $14,000.

Success should rightfully be theirs. One of the challenges, according to Verna, was getting vendors to donate and then follow-up with leads to coordinate delivery of items. Fortunately, she enjoyed interacting with the many generous donors of Silent Auction items. She was also able to watch and learn from other Silent Auctions, which laid the groundwork for the Silent Auction setup. "It's a lot of 'behind the scenes' work," she stated, and she thoroughly enjoyed working and connecting with other PbP members. As for the future, she is now a full-time student pursuing her MBA, but plans to stay closely connected as a reliable source of help to PbP SC.

V. Upcoming Community Events

1st Joseph Ileto Fellowship Lecture Event (www.apalc.org/iletoevent)
Friday August 26, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
Words of Empowerment: Creating a Nonviolent Society Through Peace Advocacy
Featured Speaker: Helen Zia, Author, Journalist, Activist
Moderator: Ted Chen, NBC 4

For generations peace has been on the agenda for many activists. However, peace is not an object that can be easily obtained, but rather an objective that takes dedication from many to accomplish. In tribute and remembrance to Filipino American postal worker Joseph Ileto, victim of a hate-motivated shooting in 1999, the 1st Joseph Ileto Fellowship Event will both inform and open up dialogue on the goals and tactics of peace advocacy and activism in search of a nonviolent society.

Open to Public. For more information, please contact Cathy Dang, APALC at (213) 977-7500 ext. 254 or Chris Komai, National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at (213) 830-5648.

Spirit of Korean Dance & Music
The Korea Daily would like to cordially invite you to a unique cultural event, "The Spirit of Korean Dance & Music" which will be held at the Ford Amphitheater in Hollywood on Saturday, 27th of August, 2005 at 8:30 p.m.

As this event commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Korean National Liberation, it is one of the largest events dedicated to Korean Culture and Dance in the Los Angeles County. The performances will be performed by spectacular artists from both Korea and the United States. This is truly a significant event for the community as a whole. It is not only for the Korean-Americans living away from their homeland, but also for everyone living in the Los Angeles community. This performance is being held in hopes of opening the gateway of cultural understanding within the communities. This event is hosted by The Korea Daily, The Los Angeles County Arts & Culture Commission, and The Korean Cultural Center.
Please accept our invitation and join us for an unforgettable experience. The Korea Daily is looking forward to seeing you at the event. To RSVP and to secure your FREE tickets, please contact Julia Lee with The Korea Daily at (213) 368-2577

2005 Chinese Food Festival
Slippery shrimp, tangerine chicken, Singapore noodles, and mouth-watering barbecue will be featured as over 30 Chinatown restaurants, culinary experts, and chefs congregate for the second annual Chinese Food Festival on August 27 and 28, 2005. The festival will showcase such renowned establishments as Empress Pavilion, together with many smaller “best kept secret” restaurants. Cooking demonstrations, Chinese herbal medicine consultations, cultural entertainment, and children’s games and crafts will make it entertaining for the whole family. The 2005 Chinese Food Festival will take place in the historic heart of Chinatown, at Central Plaza, located at 943-951 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012, an easy stroll from Chinatown’s Metro Gold Line Station. Festival hours are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. While open air and underground parking lots in the area are plentiful, valet parking will also be offered at the entrance to the festival.

To purchase tickets call the Chinatown BID at (213) 680-0243, or visit www.chinesefoodfestivalla.com or www.chinatownla.com. For information about volunteer opportunities at the festival, contact Jean Chan at jeanchan@chinatownla.com

Lea Salonga Charity Concert for A3M
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW
LEA SALONGA - A Charity Concert for A3M
Sunday, October 23, 2005, 7 pm
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

Concert tickets: $45, $65, $85- please contact Box Office Directly at 800.300.4345
Concert and Dinner package: $175- please contact A3M Office Directly at 888.236.4673
http://www.asianmarrow.org/promotions/leasalonga/index.htm Email: a3m@ltsc.org

Lea Salonga, Broadway’s own Tony Award-winning star will perform a full concert to benefit Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (A3M). Ms. Salonga’s concert will be an intimate show with a mix of show tunes, jazz standards, and other popular favorites. Ms. Salonga won critical acclaim and attention in her award-winning role as “Kim” in “Miss Saigon”. Ms. Salonga is also the singing voice in the Disney animated features “Aladdin” and “Mulan”.