#kathy khang

She did not let the experience of injustice paralyze her. She did not let bitterness take root. She did not lower her head and stay silent. She learned, and she found her voice. She learned that citizenship in this world, this country, did not mean anything if it didn’t honor everyone equally, consistently, justly. She saw herself and the world around her through a different lens. She learned and changed and she grew into someone she may never had anticipated. She did not let her own understanding define herself, her work, her advocacy, her legacy. She learned from those around her. And her leadership made those around her better for it. She defied stereotypes and redefined the archetype. She remained invisible in the textbooks and history books written and taught by the dominant culture that continued its attempt at defining you and a generation. Yet, Yuri, you cannot be erased. Thank you, Yuri, for refusing to let government, politics, and culture define you and limit you. Thank you, Yuri, for your example of courage, faithfulness, integrity, humility, and leadership. Thank you.

Kathy Khang is a writer, speaker, and regional multiethnic ministry director, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA