On August 10, 1999, a self-professed white supremacist went on a rampage where shot and injured five individuals, then gunned down Ileto. Since the attack, the Ileto family along with several civil rights organizations have been working to eradicate hate crimes in Los Angeles County and raise awareness across the nation. Here's some information:
10 Year Anniversary Event for Joseph Ileto and the North Valley Jewish Community Center VictimsI can't believe it's been ten years since the shooting. I've read and heard a lot about the Ileto family since the shooting. In a senseless, brutal instant, they lost a loved one to hate. (Buford O. Furrow, Jr. said he specifically shot Ileto because he looked Latino or Asian.) But what's inspiring is how they've dedicated their lives to creating awareness and action about hate crimes in the decade since. Joseph Ileto did not die in vain.
Hate Crime Victims and their Families Gather to Reflect on the Past 10 Years since the August 1999 Shootings
WHAT: Press Conference for the Ileto family, members of the North Valley Jewish Community Center (NVJCC) and elected officials who will discuss how their lives have changed over the past decade, their work in the community and the current status of hate crimes in the community.
WHEN: Monday, August 10th, 2009 @ 10:00 am (doors open at 9:30 am)
WHERE: Asian Pacific American Legal Center
1145 Wilshire Blvd, 1st Floor (at Lucas) Community Room
Los Angeles, CA 90017
WHO: Lilian and Ismael Ileto, Family of Joseph Ileto
Joshua Stepakoff, One of the children shot at NVJCC
Mindy Finkelstein, One of the children shot at NVJCC
Bill Bender, North Valley Jewish Community Center
Congresswoman Judy Chu, California's 32nd district
Assemblymember Mike Eng, 49th District California Legislature
Assemblymember Warren Furutani, 55th California State Assembly District
Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich
Robin Toma, Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations
Interviews and photo opportunities will be available immediately following the press conference.
WHY: On August 10, 1999 a self professed white supremacist went on a rampage at the North Valley Jewish Community Center where he shot and injured five individuals. Shortly thereafter, he gunned down Joseph Ileto, a Filipino American postal worker. Since the attack, the Ileto family along with several civil rights organizations have been working to eradicate hate crimes in Los Angeles County and raise awareness across the nation.
