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The OCA National Convention is one of two major national events and has been recognized as the Asian Pacific American (APA) community's premiere event, attracting over 100 exhibitors and corporate sponsors, more than 1,500 attendees, an impressive list of some of the most well-known and visible APA speakers and panelists. The convention was packed with four days of workshops, seminars and special events.
The convention was held in Honolulu, HI from August 7 through August 10 at Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. This year's convention theme was "Community Harmony in the Spirit of Aloha". Hawaii is the only state in the union where ability and character transcend race. Seven OCA, St. Louis members, joined more than 1,500 people from other 82 OCA chapters and college affiliates, attended this conference. They were Matthew Yu, Cheng Yu, Jason Tang, Nancy Tang, Cathy Chu, Thomas Wong, and Howard Young.
The annual convention:
* Is an opportunity for the local OCA board and members to work closely together on an event
* Is an opportunity for the chapter to strengthen working relationships and build coalitions with other organizations and groups in the community
* Re-energizes the chapter, its members, and APA community
* Increases the chapter's visibility and reputation in the community
* Is an opportunity to showcase the city and the APA community
* Is a springboard for the chapter to continue providing programs and events in the local community
* Brings local media coverage to the APA community
The convention was packed with as many workshop sessions as possible on topics and issues of interest and concern to the APA community locally and nationally. Topics such as "Hawaii race relations", "Expanding your business through contracting", "Asian fashion", "Medicare and Medicaid - impact on senior citizens", and "Multicultural education" were issues close and dear to every attendee. At the gala awards banquet, the highlight of the convention, more than 1500 people attended, which included dignitaries from the Federal and local governments. President George W. Bush sent a letter of greeting to the convention. In his letter, he wrote, "For generations, Americans of Asian/Pacific descent have strengthened our country's character thought commitment to family, community, education and entrepreneurship."
This year, OCA awarded three outstanding citizens for their contributions and personal sacrifices for this country. They are Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, and General Eric K. Shinseki. Senator Daniel K. Inouye fought and lost an arm in World War II. He was the first US Congressman from Hawaii when Hawaii became a state in 1959. In 1962, he was elected to the U.S. Senate and has held that seat ever since. Senator Akaka is the first person of Native Hawaiian and Chinese descent to serve in the U.S. Senate. He was first elected to Congress in 1970 and subsequently won seven consecutive elections. He is a champion of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) affairs. General Eric K. Shinseki retired from the U.S. army as the 34th Army Chief of Staff. At the time of his appointment, he was the country's highest ranked AAPI military official in the history of the United States. General Shinseki started his career with the U.S. Army 37 years ago. He fought in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He has been an exemplary role model to the AAPI community in his courage, excellence, and leadership, as well as faithful and tireless service to the United States.
The St. Louis Chapter was one of the three founding chapters of OCA. Dr. William Tao was instrumental in getting the national movement started. The current OCA logo was also designed by the St. Louis Chapter. OCA, St. Louis hosted the OCA national convention in 1980 under the leadership of Nora Wang and was awarded the chapter of the year award under the leadership of Grace Y. Lo in 1998. Matthew Yu and Jason Tang represented the St. Louis Chapter to attend the National Board meeting on August 10. Matthew briefed the National Board on the vital role that the St. Louis Chapter is going to play in the 100th anniversary of the St. Louis World's Fair in 2004. Six to seven OCA chapters are interested in hosting the Shanghai Songs and Ensemble to perform in the United States. The convention and National Board meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm, August 10.
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