OCA Asian Pacific
American Advocates celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the National
Convention held in Washington D.C. from July 12-15, 2023.
The convention drew AAPI advocates from over 50 chapters
throughout the USA, including 17 attendees from the OCA Greater
Cleveland chapter for this important celebration. The four day
convention concluded with a wonderful Gala that had about 750
attendees to honor the amazing Asian American advocacy pioneers that
alzlcame before, and the achievements of leaders today. The Gala was
honored by congratulatory remarks from U.S. President Joe Biden and
Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Asian-American to hold the
office.
OCA Greater Cleveland leaders (President Lisa Wong, VP Johnny Wu,
Founder Margaret Wong, Anthony Yen, Oscar Lee) were featured in a
gala video. Awards were provided to recognize the amazing
accomplishments of these advocates: - Tamlyn Tomita - Actress best
known for The Joy Luck Club from 30 years ago, Karate Kid II, Cobra
Kai, as well as many others films, and as a dedicated AA advocate
and supporter for decades.
- Jeremy Lin 林書豪 - NBA superstar who came to prominence during
Linsanity:, first Asian American to win an NBA Championship, and is
an Anti-Asian racism activist.
- Mini Timmaraju - Advisor to the Biden-Harris administration,
organizer, and advocate
- Richard Lui - First Asian American man to anchor a National cable
news show, MSNBC news anchor
- Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) - OCA Legacy Award
- And Virginia Ng was honored with The Lifetime Achievement Award
posthumously for her decades long AAPI advocacy.
Additionally, during the OCA Chapter of the Year Awards Luncheon
earlier that day, the OCA Greater Cleveland chapter was presented
with the 3rd Place Award for “Emerging Chapter of the Year.” At this
special Chapter Awards event, the local chapter founders were
recognized including the wonderful Margaret W. Wong for OCAGC.
The convention started on Wednesday with “OCA Day on the Hill” - an
amazing opportunity for OCA Greater Cleveland members to join
chapters from across the country to advocate for AAPI equity,
inclusion, and rights. We split up into teams to visit the offices
of 40 Congressmen, including discussions with the aides for Ohio
Senator JD Vance, Ohio Representative David Joyce, Virginia Senator
Mark Warner, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, Virginia
Representative Rob Wittman, Massachusetts Representative Stephen
Lynch, and many others. The OCA teams drew attention to bills
regarding AANHPI History in US education, Neighbors Not Enemies to
repeal the archaic "Alien Enemies" law, and Mental Health stigma in
our communities.
The Youth Recognition Luncheon honored 19 National interns getting
DC experience, joined by local chapter interns including OCA Greater
Cleveland interns Alex Wong and Suzie Horejs. Past OCA National
interns make up 50% of National's current staff and many others go
on to serve as local leaders, chapter presidents, and icons of AAPI
advocacy!
In addition to these special events, the convention included Town
Halls and panel discussions covering many topics relevant to AAPI
civic engagement, equity, creative arts, careers in Government, and
many others. The convention also has tracks aimed at youth and
college-age advocates. The convention had social events throughout
including a reception at the Chinese American Museum, Karaoke, and
ice cream social. Cleveland OCA members came back from convention
energized to continue our programs and develop new ones. Happy 50th
Anniversary, OCA!
|
