For Immediate Release
August 4, 2015

CONTACT:
English: Healy Ko, hko@nakasec.org, 267-304-5260
Korean: Ga Young, gchung@nakasec.org, 217-281-2267

“Dream Riders Across America” Join New Orleans Leaders for Community Meeting and Canvassing to Register People to Vote

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 4, 2015, the Dream Riders Across America joined VAYLA- New Orleans and SEIU 21LA for a community meeting at Mary Queen of Vietnam to share stories and engage in a dialogue about the importance of civic engagement in our communities and how it is tied to moving forward on issues of racial justice and immigrant rights. The Dream Riders also joined VAYLA-New Orlean’s canvassing activities to remind the community to register to vote, especially with this year’s governor election approaching.

Victor Huynh, Dream Rider from Annandale, said: “I want to share my story as a Vietnamese American youth with all communities who are building America together. My father came to the U.S. by boat as a refugee seeking a better life and future. I am going on Dream Riders Across America because I want to support everyone who is fighting for their families and make decision-makers listen to the voice of the community they represent.”

Ellie Wingfield, Dream Rider from Los Angeles, said: “We know what were running from, but what are we running towards? We have to start moving forward. Registering to vote to ensure that our community voices are heard is one step.”

The Dream Riders arrived in New Orleans after driving from Montgomery, Alabama where they had participated in a rally and march from the Alabama Capitol in Montgomery. This national bus tour is being led by the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC), Korean Resource Center (KRC), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), SEIU United Service Workers West, and SEIU California State Council to educate the local community about immigrant rights, racial justice, and civic engagement, meet community leaders, and build a progressive network of young people throughout the region.

The Dream Riders are departing from New Orleans to arrive in their next destination, Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, August 5 for two days of civic engagement activities, community meetings, and media events. The final stop will be in Dallas, Texas on Friday, August 7.

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