What does motherhood mean to you? Is it a comforting home-cooked dish? An abundance of unconditional love? Unspeakable acts of self-sacrifice? Maternal love knows no bounds, and diasporas across borders are no exception. Mothers of Koreatown is an exhibit dedicated to showcasing the diversity of relationships between mothers and children from various ethnic communities within Koreatown. By preserving immigrant narratives through a matriarchal lens, this exhibit bridges creative expression with community healing. The Korean concept of “Han,” the idea of inherited trauma linking all generations, is a universal one, transcending bounds of ethnicity and race. Using a diverse array of mediums, these Koreatown artists convey their
personal narratives and tethers to the profound concept of what “mother” means to them. Motherhood emerged as a recurring theme in this
year’s Korean American Youth Leaders in Training (KAYLT) college cohort’s discussions regarding identity. Maternal devotion embodies endless
benevolence and selflessness, virtues we often take for granted. Through storytelling, the group planned this exhibit with the intent to showcase
the oft-overlooked presence of Koreatown’s matriarchs. As part of The K.W. Center for Leadership, a nonprofit dedicated towards training youth leaders, the group hopes to strengthen relations within Koreatown’s diverse community, building a multiethnic coalition for the future. Through the resources provided by The K.W. Lee Center, the 2023 KAYLT cohort worked to create this exhibit and sincerely hopes Mothers of Koreatown can resonate with all generations, identities, and migrants of Koreatown.