Dosan Anh Changho Day Celebration & Essay Contest
The Hwarang Youth Foundation engaged in the “Dosan Anh Changho Day Celebration & Essay Contest” at the Los Angeles Aroma Center’s One Event Venue on Thursday, November 9th, 2023. In dedication to honoring and remembering Dosan Anh Chango, a significant historical figure in the history of Korean Independence.
Dosan Anh Changho was a prominent Korean independence activist and a key figure in the early Korean American community. Being one of the early Korean American Immigrants to the United States, Dosan faced many challenges and discrimination, but still worked tirelessly in order to preserve Korean culture, language, and traditions among Korean immigrants in the U.S. In modern times, Dosan Ahn Chang-ho is still celebrated for his leadership, activism, and contributions to the Korean independence movement, as well as for his role in building and strengthening the Korean American community. His impact is felt not only in historical terms but also in the continued influence of his ideas and principles in contemporary discussions about identity, community, and national pride.
In dedication to all of his inspiring work, the Hwarang Youth Foundation assisted in hosting the event. Our Hwarang Nanta Team performed their rythmic and energetic songs, each beat of their 북 (buk; a shallow barrel-shaped drum, with a round wooden body that is covered on both ends with animal skin) resonating back to the deep origins of Korean History. Furthermore, our members participated in the Dosan Day Essay Contest, with a prompt of ‘Writing a Letter to Dosan’ (“도산”께 보내는 편지). And humbly, yet honorably, one of our Summit Officers, Donggeon Kim (김동건) won the grand prize of 1st place.
This event was very memorable to not only our Hwarang members, but to everyone else who was at the event. It especially allowed our members to learn more in depth about the history and legacy of Dosan Anh Changho, and his significant impact to the Korean American community, even up to this day. Summit Officer Donggeon Kim states that, “I learned how much Dosan has contributed and volunteered to the community in the United States . It further motivates me to actively help the community near me as well’”.
