"Que Podemos Hacer?": Mosh For Youth

The Koreatown Storytelling Program presents a short series of community-member interviews discussing and responding to recent immigration raids. The title “Que Podemos Hacer?” translates to “What can we do?”, which was one of the responses we received from a vendor in our community. A response the vendor told us as he continued to work with fear.

Thank you for listening to KSP’s Podcast Series “Que Podemos Hacer” where we share our community's response to recent ICE Raids. This is the final episode of the series.

On the morning of August 14th in Little Tokyo, Customs and Border Protection Agents arrived and stationed near the Japanese American National museum and detained at least one person. In a ⁠witness video⁠ shared by ICE out of LA, a witness says CBP vehicles were lined down the block and around the corner. At the same time, California Governor Gavin Newsom was holding a press conference on redistricting plans at the same museum. 

Earlier this week, a group of unions, community organizations, nonprofits, and faith groups united under The ⁠Summer of Resistance Coalition⁠. On Tuesday August 12th , the coalition protested recent federal immigration enforcement actions by rallying and marching at MacArthur Park. Additionally, they asked Angelinos to boycott Home Depot, Penske, Target, and fast food restaurants to draw more attention to the raids.

This week is the return to school for many students in Los Angeles, from the first day of grade school to first classes at a college campus. Perfect timing to have educator and musician, Victor Campos, on our series. Victor runs a nonprofit called ⁠Mosh for Youth⁠, where they donate scholarships to students entering their first year in college. How do they raise their funds? Through the intense energy and support from the harcore music scene. 

Most recently Mosh For Youth has been supporting their larger community impacted by ICE Raids. Mosh for Youth along with other organizations came together to raise funds for impacted families through a harcore music festival called “This is L.A.” 

I spoke with Victor to learn more about Mosh For Youth, supporting students and communities, and the power music has in this moment. 

KYCC Resource: 

KYCC offers grocery support to families impacted by the raids in Koreatown and surrounding communities. On Friday August 22nd from 9am to 11am at KYCC Menlo Family Center, our staff will be distributing free groceries. We ask you to bring your own bag and register on site day of between 9am - 10:30am. Food is available while supplies last. For more information, please call 213-365-7400 extension 5600.

Credits

Producer

Tony Morales