ABOUT (2013 Version)
OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans.
To fulfill its mission, OCA has established the following goals:
to advocate for social justice, equal opportunity and fair treatment;
to promote civic participation, education, and leadership;
to advance coalitions and community building; and
to foster cultural heritage.
Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.
OCA is engaged in organizing its over 80 chapters and affiliates across the nation to develop both leadership and community involvement. OCA chapters and our affiliates are establishing strong local programs in all parts of the country.
OCA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. gives the OCA National Center an effective vantage point for monitoring legislation and policy issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans. In addition, OCA is able to build national support and to work in coalition with other national groups around issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans.
OCA takes no collective position on the politics of any foreign country, but instead focuses on the welfare and civil rights of Asian Pacific Americans.
“Embracing the Hopes and Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans”
OCA Celebrates Changing Face of America in Miss America Pageant – OCA National Center
OCA Celebrates Changing Face of America in Miss America Pageant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 September 2013
CONTACT
Tom Hayashi | Executive Director
202 223 5500 | thayashi@ocanational.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a national membership driven organization dedicated to advancing the political, social, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), celebrates Nina Davuluri’s victory as the first Indian American to be crowned Miss America last night during the Miss America Pageant.
Three of the top five contestants during this year’s pageant were of Asian Pacific American descent: Miss California, Crystal Lee; Miss Minnesota, Rebecca Yeh; and Miss New York, Nina Davuluri. Miss California was awarded the title of first runner up, and Miss Minnesota was given the title of fourth runner up.
“This is a historic event for the APA community. For the first time, three of the five finalists are APA. They represent not only the diversity found within our community but also the changing face of the American public,” says Tom Hayashi, OCA Executive Director, “As the first Indian American to win the title of Miss America, Ms. Davuluri challenges the misconception that Americans are one monolithic group. Her success shows that we come in all shapes, all sizes, and all races.”
Despite some negative reactions to her victory, Davuluri rises above the distasteful comments by continuing to redefine standards of Americanism stating that she has “always viewed myself as first and foremost American.” In a video for the Miss New York website, she states that “I’m on a mission. Miss America has always been the girl next door. But Miss America is evolving. And she’s not going to look the same anymore.” Her success and response to her critics reaffirms her resolution to this issue.
“Ms. Davuluri’s commitment to evolving the image of Miss America to reflect diverse young women demonstrates strong leadership and foresight into the changing demographics of our country,” says Sharon M. Wong, OCA President, “As an advocacy organization, we are extremely proud of her achievements and support her as an ambassador of our community and the Miss America Pageant.
OCA Celebrates Changing Face of America in Miss America Pageant – OCA National Center.
Raritan Valley Community College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department to present “Of Rice and Spice”: The Asian American Experience
RVCC TO PRESENT “OF RICE AND SPICE”:
THE ASIAN AMERICAN
EXPERIENCE
Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) Visual and Performing Arts Department will present
“Of Rice and Spice”: The Asian American Experience, September 6 through October 4, in the Art
Gallery at the College’s Branchburg Campus. The exhibition focuses on the Asian American
experience as seen through the photographs of Corky Lee and historical documents from the
18h century to the present. Please see their 2 page flyer for more info!! Don’t miss this exhibit!!
Please also read message below from our OCA-NJ President:
Dear Members and Friends of OCA,
We invite you to view the photographs of Corky Lee. It is not often that we have a showing of his photographs in NJ. If you can take the time and see this wonderful exhibit, and attend the panel discussion, you will not regret it.
I have been a long time fan of Corky, and I personally own more 20 of his photographs; which I have collected for more than 10 years. A worthwhile exhibit, to see many photos depicting the Asian American experience.
Virginia Ng
President OCA-NJ
SPECIAL PROGRAM ON SCHOOL BULLYING with GUEST SPEAKER & A POT LUCK DINNER TOO!!
REMINDER!! OCA-NJ Chapter Invites you to our ANNUAL SUMMER FAMILY PICNIC
Come join OCA and FCC families for a day of fun – a great way to stay connected and meet other families in your area. All families welcome!
Don’t forget to pre-order our new polo shirts & children’s t-shirts – Please see our flyer/order form for more details!!
Annual Summer Family Picnic – Hosted this year by the OCA-Westchester & Hudson Valley Chapter at
VAN SAUN COUNTY PARK – PAVILION C *
* located near the Carousel. Park in Area 3 and cross the road to Pavilion C
(look for balloons or OCA and FCC signs, which mark our area)
216 FOREST AVENUE, PARAMUS, NJ 07652
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
11:00am – 4:00 pm
All attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for our local food pantry.
Please also BRING A DISH (with serving utensil) TO SHARE WITH 8 PEOPLE – OCA & FCC WILL PROVIDE HAMBURGERS & VEGGIEBURGERS, HOTDOGS, DRINKS, WATERMELON AND PAPER GOODS
New OCA-New Jersey Chapter Polo Shirts & Children’s T-Shirts for SALE!! Please See our Order Form Below!
OCA-New Jersey Chapter Polo Shirt & Children’s T-Shirt Sale –
Order by August 15, 2013 to have in time for our Annual Picnic to be held on Sept 8, 2013 in Paramus, NJ – Please see flyer for clothing & order details.
To place an order, email Jenny Lee at: jenny.lee81859@me.com
Or Right Click onto the order form image to first save to your computer files, then print out & send completed order form plus payment (checks to be made payable to: OCA-NJ) & mail to: Jenny Lee @ 2 Heather Court, Dover, NJ 07801
OCA-NJ Chapter Invites you to our ANNUAL SUMMER FAMILY PICNIC
Come join OCA and FCC families for a day of fun – a great way to stay connected and meet other families in your area. All families welcome!
Don’t forget to pre-order our new polo shirts & children’s t-shirts – Please see our flyer/order form for more details!!
Annual Summer Family Picnic – Hosted this year by the OCA-Westchester & Hudson Valley Chapter at
VAN SAUN COUNTY PARK – PAVILION C *
* located near the Carousel. Park in Area 3 and cross the road to Pavilion C
(look for balloons or OCA and FCC signs, which mark our area)
216 FOREST AVENUE, PARAMUS, NJ 07652
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
11:00am – 4:00 pm
All attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for our local food pantry.
Please also BRING A DISH (with serving utensil) TO SHARE WITH 8 PEOPLE – OCA & FCC WILL PROVIDE HAMBURGERS & VEGGIEBURGERS, HOTDOGS, DRINKS, WATERMELON AND PAPER GOODS
