Koreatown Storytelling Program

How Art Stops the Hate

On this episode, we take an inside look at our most recent community events with the Environmental Services Unit. Through February and March, KSP teamed up with Environmental Services to bring forth art events under the Stop the Hate Initiative. We collaged, drew with chalk on walls, maintained utility boxes, and helped paint KYCC's latest mural on Pico. Our latest mural was designed and painted by Jackie Hernandez from Las Chicas Peligrosas. (Cover Image) To learn more about the approach and importance of these events we spoke with the event organizers, Angelic Perez and Kaylee Cho. Throughout the episode we hear from community members at the events. What hate are community members facing? How are they addressing it? Check out more community voices from these events at our TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@koreatownstorytelling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc]. Join us looking into how art stops the hate. To find more information and events from the Environmental Services unit, click this link [https://linktr.ee/kyccenvironmentalservices?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=971384fc-666d-4565-b996-c6f89da49864].

The Myth and Realities of Venus Part. 2

[Spanish Interview] Before we begin this episode, we would like alert you all that this episode is not recommended for Children. It contains strong opinions, language and mature subjects. Listener discretion is advised.   It is important for us to share trigger and content warnings on the topics discussed in this episode including deportation, death, and sex. If you would like confidential free help or some one to speak with. The national helpline for substance abuse and mental health services is 1-800-662-4357. Additionally,  LA’s LGBT Center also has a warm line for those facing violence and assault at 323-860-5806. Please Know that you are not alone.  Welcome to the KSP Podcast! Today we share a Spanish interview with Koreatown gay elder Venus.  It is a honest conversation with Venus about his life in Los Angeles. Due to the length our interview, We have decided to break it into two parts. If you have not listened to the first part of the conversation, check it out here [https://www.koreatownstorytellingprogram.org/podcast/the-myth-and-realities-of-venus]. In this second part of our conversation, you will hear Venus talk about his identity and religion, his experience at Westlake’s Oldest Gay Bar The Silver Platter, and being a part of the Silver Platter’s documentary film “Wildness”directed by Wu Tsang.   The snippet to begin the episode is from the first episode where Venus spoke about his home birth. Halfway out during birth, the midwife who delivered Venus thought he was female. This was believed because of his positioning. Once fully out, the midwife realized he was male. From there he says, “There is where the myth of my life begins, I’ve been happy being gay,”.   We began the second part of our conversation talking about religion and it’s importance to Venus. Thank you for listening to this episode.

Learning Family History Through Bee Venom Healing with Sion Kim & Timothy Lee

Today we share our Korean interview with Sion Kim (김석연) a Korean beekeeping expert with extensive knowledge of traditional beekeeping methods and the healing properties of bee venom. His expertise includes caring for bees and using bee venom therapy, a practice valued in traditional medicine. Sion is the grandfather of one of our KSP students, Timothy Lee. Before we share our Korean interview with Sion, producer Tony Morales sits with student Timothy Lee to talk more about his experience interviewing his grandfather. We learn more about Timothy’s family history, speaking Korean, and what he strives to pursue after high school.  If you wish to read the English Transcript of Sion’s Interview, please visit the link below. https://www.koreatownstorytellingprogram.org/sionkim [https://www.koreatownstorytellingprogram.org/sionkim] Sion Kim Interviewed by: Alexander Perez Callahan, Timothy Lee, and Jonah Lee Episode produced by: Tony Morales

Recovery Is Possible and It's A Beautiful Life with Recovery Services Coordinator Jennifer Avilez

September is National Recovery Month, where we uplift stories of recovery from substance use disorder and spotlight our recovery services. At KYCC we offer Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services (RS), integrating a harm-reduction approach with a focus on individualized care.   Koreatown Storytelling Program producer Tony Morales, sat down with Recovery Services Coordinator Jennifer Avilez to talk more about recovery. They begin by asking: what is recovery and why are these services important in Koreatown?   In this conversation, we learn more about Recovery Month, the stigma of substance-use disorder, recovery testimonies, and how the recent raids have ripple impacts in a recovery process.   To learn more about our recovery services and/or request services, click the link below. https://www.kyccla.org/services/drug-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWdqd0dkVGFsWmJxeXF5bkx1YlFWeUg4SldMd3xBQ3Jtc0ttcmd3MTltRF9zRVQzU2UwcVhkczBrazVJTWx1bmpZMDg2eVBiRUZjeHFiZkdEb1BJMWJ5TFpWNHY5WWtIeU9zODhPa0ZtVVNlUjdUdzVPbFZ5NzBLNVJkQ1BhMUp1aGV1Z0dkcUNXcWJzU0laVi1OUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kyccla.org%2Fservices%2Fdrug-alcohol-recovery%2F&v=7dHj9d-ulDE]

How Community Centers Gave Dumbfoundead Space to Rap with Jonnie Park

The Koreatown Storytelling Program Podcast interviews Koreatown’s very own Jonnie Park, also known as Dumbfoundead. A Koreatown icon, acclaimed rapper, actor, and podcast host, Jonnie uses his voice to uplift community stories and Asian American narratives on a global stage. Jonnie has recently appeared in hit shows and movies like Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens and Anderson .Paak's K-Pops!, and is currently a writer on the upcoming season of Netflix’s Emmy-winning series Beef. He recently co-MCed KYCC’s 50th Anniversary Benefit Concert on August 21st at 7pm at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. KSP audio producer, Tony Morales, sits down with Jonnie at the KSP Treehouse to talk about growing up in Koreatown, the importance of community centers in his creativity, and rap helped him gain confidence in identity.