This play would not have been possible without the support, love, and kindness of the YOKA community -- especially the administration led by Ms. Karen Jin. In an era when the arts are under attack, knowing that Young Oak Kim Academy has made a strong committment to it's students and their exposure to the arts is a gift to the community and the future. That passion was seen in the donation of countless hours of time and hard work by the staff and students of the school in accomplishing this Herculean feat.
Special thanks to teachers Gabriel Aguirre, Marika Tripodes, David DeLaCruz, Andy Deemer, Christelle Gonzalez, Hicxell Wester, and Kyle Morrison for their support and hard work.
Our friends and community have also been immensely supportive particularly Danny Carpenter and Leah Rial Sappington for donating their time to teach the kids about stagecraft. We also received generous donations of supplies from Elaine Offers-Woulard, Harper, and Aaron Paul, and support from Darin Barnes of Exclusive Artists.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Since the beginning of time, our ancestors from north to south have instinctually taught themselves through innate philosophies, the knowledge they needed to survive, thrive, preserve, and coexist with the world around them.
With utmost respect, we recognize our ancestors and antepasados, “la gente del maiz” while acknowledging the current Indigenous descendants and stewards of these lands now recognized as Los Angeles, the Kizh, Tongva, Tataviam, and Chumash.
As United Teacher Los Angeles, we denounce the establishment of the colonial borders that have led to the removal, displacement, and land dispossession that continues to be endured by our Indigenous brethren from North to South via neoliberal practices. We commit to looking for more concrete ways to make visible our relationship to Native Peoples. Furthermore, we commit to being proactive in the ways in which we support them while following their lead in the fight for justice and reparations.
As educators we will advocate for a more expansive curriculum in which we can learn about these cultures, while honoring their sovereignty, teaching respect, and mirroring their philosophies that counter the oppressive rhetorics of these unceded territories. We shall strive to always seek truth in our teaching and labor so that our students can have the education and schools that they deserve.
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