Korean Activist Yoon Han Bong (1947-2007) had a simple but profound personal philosophy: "Live Righteously, Know Your Roots, Live in Harmony." Living out this philosophy went far in his efforts to establish democratic rule in South Korea, but his impact stretched across the ocean as far as Flushing, Queens.

Yoon Han Bong also founded "madangjips," or community centers for Korean immigrants across North America. In 1984, he founded the Young Korean American Service and Education Center in New York. This would become the MinKwon Center for Community Action in Flushing, Queens.

This grassroots immigrant rights organization was founded to empower the Korean American community. But, as it grew, its mission has come to include marginalized community members, such as the elderly, recent immigrants, low-income residents, and residents with limited English proficiency.

As its name states, community action is central to its activities. In this action, the Center seeks to guide the development of long-term solutions to policy issues affecting lives by empowering low-income people, new immigrants, and community residents. Dovetailing with these efforts are the Center's programs for civic participation. MinKwon actively ensures the communities they represent are registered, informed, and motivated voters.

Moreover, the MinKwon Center is a vital source of social services for many. It offers a comprehensive range of free social and legal services related to immigration status, housing status, health insurance, and public benefits. To ensure their services are accessible, they provide all of their services in Korean and Chinese free of charge. Also, limited English-proficient, low-income immigrants and seniors get top priority for services such as tax preparation, applying for public resources, and legal representation.

Furthermore, the Center invests in the future through its Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), where teens learn about social justice and the role they play in it. They also offer The Organizing Committee (OC), a group of passionate young leaders working for development in their communities. These are just two activities and events (which also include rallies, teach-ins, workshops, and community events) that the Center hosts. Follow them @minkwonyouth to see what is happening next!

The success of this critical community resource depends on financial support. In this, the Center's 40th anniversary year, they have initiated the 40 Weeks For 40 Years campaign, during which they will commemorate forty years of community action with forty weeks of giving toward their fundraising goal of $400,000. The campaign started on March 11, 2024, and will run through December 16, 2024.

If you or someone you know would benefit from the MinKwon Center's services, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep informed.

Broadway Stages is proud to work in Queens, which has the fastest-growing Asian population in New York City. We are confident in Queens' future because the MinKwon Center is working for a just and equitable society where everyone can live in harmony, dream, and reach their full potential. As one of their satisfied consumers said, "I can see and feel that the Civil Rights Center helpers do their best to help, and we who are in a situation that needs help are always grateful."