One of the objectives of Organization of Chinese American (OCA) is to reach out to the community and various ethnic groups. With that objective in mind, OCA participated in the Centennial Celebration of Korean Immigration History sponsored by the St. Louis Korean American Association on Saturday, July 26. An elaborate banquet, music and dance programs were prepared for that occasion at the Renaissance Hotel. Over 200 guests attended the event. They included Governor Bob Holden, Senator Jim Talent, Economic Development Director Joseph Driskill, Hon. Kyu-ho Choo, Consulate General of Republic of Korea and representatives from the Japanese American Citizen League, International Institute, the Jewish Committee, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and others. Representing OCA were Dr. Harold Law, past president of OCA St. Louis Chapter in 1995 and 1996 and Mrs. Matthew Yu. Her husband Matthew, current president of OCA St. Louis Chapter, was unable to attend due to a schedule conflict. Attended were also Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hong from the Chinese American community. Eugene was born and raised in St. Louis. His wife, Ann, is from Korea.
Missouri
Governor Bob Holden (middle)
The event was sponsored by major industries such as Anheuser Busch Company, The Boeing Corporation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Covenant Financial Mortgage Services, Paul, Camazine & Blumenthal Law Firm and friends of Korean-American Association of St. Louis. The music program was totally performed by the youth. There are many musical talents among the younger generation in the Korean American community in St. Louis.
Early Korean immigrants experienced similar discrimination and hardship as the Chinese immigrants, even though the Koreans came some fifty years later. They were subject to the same anti-Asian laws, barring citizenship, land ownership, and equal access to education and housing. Through hard work, mutual support, and determination, the Korean American communities are now thriving in the United States. It was estimated about 5000 to 6000 Korean Americans residing in the greater St. Louis area. Many of the younger generation are pursuing professional careers with a large percentage going into the medical field.
There is a natural bond between the Chinese and the Korean communities in St. Louis. Many of the Korean Americans are ethnic Chinese who lived in Korea for many years. They participate in activities of both communities and serve as a natural bridge linking the two communities.
OCA continues to reach out to the community at large. Hopefully many joint events will be planned and materialized in the future. Unity among diversity is the strength of our community.
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