Los Angeles Korea town has had a contentious battle of turf over the years. Some may recall the tension from the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots between the Korean and African American community. the LA Times had an article this week about how now, the battle is with the Bangladeshi community.
Although [Maminul Haque] is standing in the heart of Koreatown, he and many other Bangladeshi Americans say the name does not reflect all its inhabitants. Now, the community is seeking recognition of its own “Little Bangladesh” within the area west of downtown popularly known as Koreatown.The proposal has angered longtime residents who have worked hard to promote the district as a Korean cultural destination and economic hub.[latimes]
The Bangladeshi area here is unlike other L.A. ethnic hubs. Whereas on Pioneer Blvd. in Cerritos there are clean sari stores, or bright chaat houses, not so here. Located in the heart of the grittiest part of Los Angeles, the Bangladeshi business are interspersed with Korean and Mexican stores. There is no section of stores. Food is fast food and grocery store combined. But the community does exist - they have annual parades, they have an Independence Day festival in the park behind Shatto lanes, and South Asian Network has organized a housing campaign in the neighborhood.
More than a name is at stake. Although largely symbolic, the recognition afforded by a special district designation can help establish a community within the cultural mosaic of Southern California, said Hamid Khan, executive director of the nonprofit South Asian Network. When noted on maps and street signs, it can also attract visitors and help local business. [latimes]
There are about 10,000 Bangladeshi Americans living in the area, according to the South Asian Network. Though I think this is an overestimate, there is no doubt that this neighborhood is the gateway point of where the Bangladeshi-American Angeleno experience began since the first wave of ‘Deshi’ migration in 1965. But the neighborhood Koreans aren’t happy with it…
Although the city never formally defined the neighborhood, Koreatown has been identified on maps since the 1980s. In February, members of the Korean American community filed their own petition asking the city to recognize Koreatown…After a series of meetings in December and January, Korean American representatives offered to recognize a much smaller section along Koreatown’s eastern boundary as “Little Bangladesh.” But Muhammad Hussain, a spokesman for the “Little Bangladesh” campaign, complained that there were very few Bangladeshis living in the proposed area.[latimes]
Word. The Bangladeshi community beat them to the punch by a month. I have no doubt a compromise can be met, but I think a formal recognition of the neighborhoods, both Bangladeshi and Korean, would bring more resources and support to the area. Though, personally, I kinda would like the Bangladeshs to win this fight.
