Eric Kumasaka of Kent, WA asks:

This question is for Ms. Oh. After the '92 riot in South Central L.A., has there been an improvement in relations between blacks and Koreans? Can you give any examples of programs/organizations that have been successful in mediating the conflict between these two groups?

Angela Oh responds:

Since the spring of 1992, relations between Koreans and African Americans have improved in some situations and have not in others.  For the small immigrant store owners, I do not see many shining examples of improved relations.  For teens, I do see some effort being made to provide leadership training through non-profits such as the Korean Youth and Community Center and the Korean American Coalition.  There are also some relatively new institutional efforts being taken up by the City and County of Los Angeles through their human relations commissions.  There are also some grass roots efforts that reflect collaboration such as the Committee for a Civil Society in Los Angeles, which is doing cultural exchange programs among the two communities. [Next question]