By Connor Adams Sheets
The Democratic Club of Flushing recognized longtime Flushing community leader S.J. Jung Sunday for his more than 20 years of commitment to the area and its people.
He received the award at the group’s annual awards and year-end dinner at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in Flushing for “raising the standard of the September 2009 Democratic primary race,” according to a statement.
Hosted by Club President Shirley Gilbert, district leader Julia Harrison and state Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), the event was a chance to honor Jung along with community leaders Catherine Williams, Edwin Salas, Harinakshi Bengaga and Philip Sillman.
“I’m humbled to receive this special recognition and to be included with the other honorees … whose lifetime dedication and contributions are an inspiration to all of us,” he said. “This award is important to me because it symbolizes that we are connected around our common issues and our common vision”
A South Korean native who arrived in America in 1986, Jung joined the Young Koreans United of USA in 1987, eventually serving as its president. The group works to help working families, senior citizens and youths.
A member of the steering committee of the One New York Coalition: Fighting for Fairness, which promotes dialogue between immigrants and the African-American community, he is also on the board of directors of the New York Immigration Coalition.
Jung ran this year for Councilman John Liu’s (D-Flushing) seat in order to “fight for the powerless,” as he said during the campaign, but ultimately lost the Democratic primary to Yen Chou, who was defeated in the general election by Republican Peter Koo.
Reach reporter Connor Adams Sheets by e-mail at csheets@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
