WHEREAS, the Hamkae Center, an organization based in the Commonwealth dedicated to helping Asians and Asian Americans achieve social, economic, immigrant, and racial justice, celebrated its 10th anniversary in June 2023; and

WHEREAS, the Hamkae Center traces its origins to 2012, when the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) founded an affiliate in the Commonwealth, NAKASEC Virginia, which was later renamed the Hamkae Center in 2021; and

WHEREAS, the Hamkae Center takes its name from the Korean word for "together," which symbolizes its Korean American roots in the past, strength as an Asian American community in the present, and vision for justice and prosperity for all communities in the future; and

WHEREAS, the Hamkae Center develops holistic programs and campaigns in the areas of community organizing, public policy advocacy, civic engagement, youth leadership development, service provision, and community education to fulfill the organization's mission; and

WHEREAS, the Hamkae Center aims to foster a more inclusive society in which Asians, Asian Americans, and members of other historically marginalized communities have equal opportunities to succeed and prosper; and

WHEREAS, to improve the lives of Asian American Virginians, the Hamkae Center organized community members' input on key legislative and policy debates, such as Medicaid expansion, the implementation of driver privilege cards, and affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, the Hamkae Center worked with diverse partners to inform the development of the Standards of Learning for the Commonwealth's public kindergarten through 12th grade history curriculum, focusing on the importance of including Asian American and Pacific Islander voices and experiences; and

WHEREAS, through its vision, leadership, and various community and policy initiatives, the Hamkae Center has brought greater recognition to the role of Asian American communities in the history of the Commonwealth and improved the quality of life for an untold number of Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Hamkae Center hereby be commended on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Hamkae Center as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the organization's contributions to the Commonwealth.