OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates recognizes President Carter’s contributions in advancing the rights of Asian Americans and raising awareness of Asian American achievements
(January 9, 2025) – On the day that President Carter’s official state funeral begins in Washington, D.C., OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates (“OCA”) and its chapters, including OCA Georgia, remember President Carter’s lifetime of accomplishments including his contributions to the Asian American community. During his presidency, President Carter recognized the accomplishments and the issues important to Asian Americans. In 1979, President Carter signed Presidential Proclamation 4650 that designated May 4, 1979, as the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. Following President Carter’s lead, OCA was instrumental in advocating for and further establishing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, now celebrated every May. Further, President Carter signed bipartisan legislation into law establishing the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, which investigated the facts surrounding Executive Order 9066. The Commission ultimately recognized the gross injustices against Japanese American WWII survivors and their families, leading the way to a formal apology including funding reparations to the survivors. President Carter continued to further Asian American interests for over 40 years after his Presidency ended in 1981 through the generous work of the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Since its founding in 1983, OCA Georgia, the Georgia chapter of OCA, has hosted numerous events at The Carter Center including its 35th Anniversary Gala event in 2018 to recognize the achievements of local Asian American community leaders.“President Carter was responsible for signing presidential proclamations and executive actions that deeply impacted the AANHPI community,” said OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates President Sharon Wong. “These presidential actions highlighted AANHPI communities across the country and emphasized that we, too, belong.” OCA Georgia President Brian Lin remarked, “President Carter was an exceptional citizen, who served not only the State of Georgia and the United States, but also sought positive change for millions of people around the world. Asian Americans are grateful for President Carter’s leadership and persistence throughout his life, and we will deeply mourn his passing.”
OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.
Lanterns in the Moonlight - FLS Benefit DinnerOctober 10, 20265:00 pm - 8:00 pmCampion Ballroom, 914 E Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
We are excited to announce that registration is open for Lanterns in the Moonlight! Please join us on Saturday, October 10, in the Campion Ballroom at Seattle University, and be part of our multi-generational effort to raise vital funding to support small businesses, arts and culture programming, and advocacy for Little Saigon.
People Have the Power! How to Build a Village Community Dinner
People Have the Power! How to Build a Village Community DinnerOctober 17, 20266:00 pm - 8:00 pmDiamond Bay Restaurant, 409 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
*Disclaimer* OCA-GS is posting this event on our Community Calendar as a service to the community. Date/Time/Location details are subject to change.
International Examiner CVA AwardsOctober 22, 20265:30 pm - 8:00 pmDiamond Bay Restaurant, 409 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
The International Examiner’s annual Community Voice Awards (CVA) is a powerful celebration of the leaders, storytellers, and organizations shaping the future of our ANHPIA communities. This year, we gather under the theme WHEN WE SPEAK, WE RISE. — honoring the collective strength of our voices and the transformative impact of community‑rooted storytelling.
As the only nonprofit all-inclusive ANHPI media outlet in the Pacific Northwest, the IE continues to uplift the stories that matter, even as local journalism faces unprecedented challenges. The Community Voice Awards is our signature fundraiser and a chance to stand together in support of independent reporting that protects community memory and amplifies underrepresented voices.
Join us on October 22, 2026, at Diamond Bay Restaurant in Seattle’s historic Chinatown–International District for an intimate evening featuring a Chinese banquet, an inspiring awards ceremony, and a room full of people who believe in the power of community journalism.
Dr. Laura W. Ng - Archaeology of Rock Springs Chinatown and 1885 Chinese Massacre
Dr. Laura W. Ng - Archaeology of Rock Springs Chinatown and 1885 Chinese MassacreOctober 25, 202612:00 pm - 2:00 pmStroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040, USA
SAVE THE DATE!
We are excited to announce a special program co-sponsored by C.A.C.A. Seattle, Storyboards NW, and the Stroum Jewish Community Center:The Archaeology of the Rock Springs Chinatown and 1885 Chinese Massacre with Dr. Laura W. Ng ⭐️
📅 10.25.26
📍Mercer Island, WA & live virtual stream
💰Free event
In 1885, a violent and racially charged fight broke out between Chinese and white coal miners in Rock Springs, WY leaving many of the Chinese laborers and their families dead, injured, or alone. This event is an important reminder of the racial injustices Chinese-Americans have faced, and without art and science these stories may have been forgotten. By connecting our passion for the arts with Dr. Ng’s archaeological expertise, we are raising awareness for this history and ensuring these stories are both heard and learned from.
This event is free for all and registration is open now. Head to the link in our bio to save the event on Eventbrite, and stay tuned for more details over the coming weeks.
Leave any questions in the comments, and we hope to see you there!
OCA is not-for-profit, non-partisan organization representing over 10,000 people nationally, including affiliates, college affiliates, Young OCA, OCA Young Professionals, and general membership.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Donations are tax deductible. Please use “Organization Of Chinese Americans Inc” for tax purposes. Tax ID # 91-1668038.
Contact Us
OCA – Greater Seattle
P.O. Box 14141, Seattle, WA 98114
info@ocaseattle.org
OCA National Office
oca@ocanational.org
(202) 223-5500
