The Westchester and Hudson Valley Chapter of the OCA (OCA-WHV) culminated Asian American Heritage Month with festivities last Saturday, May 30th. More than 25 similar OCA-sponsored activities were held nationwide, starting off with events in Chicago first day of May. The OCA-WHV festival commemorated the 11th anniversary of when they first organized such an event.
Held at park grounds in Valhalla NY, just below the imposing backdrop of the Kensico Dam, the local event drew thousands of spectators to relish captivating performances that highlighted the unique, rich, and diverse Asian culture. Chapter president Xiaochun Luo beamed with pride as she oversaw her volunteers’ zealous efforts. By mid-afternoon, Joan Jia, organizer of the event, was already signaling success; she confirmed a much larger turnout compared to last year.
More than a hundred vendors, including business and non-profit groups, participated in the festival to promote their various products, services and charities. The overall mood gleaned from both participants and attendees confirmed Ms. Jia’s assessment of success. People formed queues to partake of cold sago shakes. Many strolled the grounds clasping a heavy assortment of flyers, brochures, giveaways and product purchases. Volunteer medical students led by Carol Pak, chapter president of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), acknowledged considerable crowd interest and participation to their cause. The young volunteers obtained on-the-spot donor registration and HLA typing for the National Marrow Donor Program.
Pursuing this year’s theme, “Lighting the Past, the Present, and the Future”, OCA was on focus. The WHV chapter made its mark hosting a festival that catered to old and young alike. A lion dance opened the festival leading a parade of kids. Traditional music and folk dance followed, wowing spectators throughout the afternoon. A heavy metal band befittingly capped the day’s celebrations.
For the OCA however, it is not just all fun and celebration. Founded in 1973 with a sizeable following from over 80 chapters nationwide, the first Asian Pacific American civil rights organization to be based in Washington D.C. is tasked with a more important mission: to secure the rights and better the lives of Asian Pacific Americans.
To exemplify its more serious side, the organization actively promotes education and community action to fight hate crime, among others. A comprehensive hate crime manual with gripping sample cases is available for download in their website. The OC charges a powerful call and lights the path to action. Hopefully, the recent festivities have charged everyone enough to answer this call.
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