Thursday, March 12, 2009

27th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

March 12 - 22, 2009
The Center for Asian American Media is presenting the nation's largest showcase for Asian American and Asian films right here in the Bay Area. Approximately 120 films will be shown in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose.

For a listing of the films that will be playing check here:
http://filmguide.festival.asianamericanmedia.org/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/title/detail/

OCA PRAISES APPOINTMENT OF FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN IVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT, DISMAYED BY STUDENT-RUN SATIRICAL PUBLICATION

Sarah Smith | Communications Manager

202.223.5500 | ssmith@ocanational.org

OCA, a national organization of over 80 chapters and affiliates dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, praises the recent appointment of Dr. Jim Yong Kim as president of Dartmouth College. The Korean-American Harvard medical school professor and global and social health care champion is the first Asian American Ivy League President.

OCA also expresses disappointment in the recent satirical article that was published by the Generic Good Morning Message, a Dartmouth student e-publication, referring to Kim as a “Chinaman” and warning the campus that “another hard-working American’s job will be taken by an immigrant willing to work in substandard conditions.”

There is a long history of discrimination that is perpetuated by reinforcing unfair and inaccurate stereotypes, even when intended as satire. OCA firmly believes it is unacceptable that the message was published and we are pleased to see that the administration and a majority of students understand the harmful effects of such characterizations.

Dr. Kim’s appointment should be celebrated as yet another milestone in the field of education, but the message published by Dartmouth students illustrate the need for ongoing dialogue and future events involving the entire education community in which Asian Pacific Americans are more accurately and equitably represented.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Reception for Victor Uno - President of the Port of Oakland Port Commissioners

The Asian Community Organizations & Businesses
Cordially Invite You to Attend

A Celebration Reception for

Victor Uno
President
Board of Oakland Port Commissioners

Pamela Calloway
James Head
Board of Oakland Port Commissioners

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Place: Peony Restaurant, 388 9th Street, Oakland, CA
Admission is free


Sponsors:
Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
OCA-East Bay Chapter
Asian Health Services
Asian Employees Association, Port of Oakland
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
Laney College
P G & E


Thursday, March 5, 2009

Asian/Pacific Islander American College Leadership Training

OCA and State Farm host
APIA U: LEADERSHIP 101
Designed for Asian and Pacific Islander American College Students APIA U: Leadership 101 is a FREE training designed to:
-address cultural and societal influences
-build leadership skills
-initiate change and promote activism on campus and in the community

Upcoming locations:
March 7, 2009 - University of California, Davis
April 18, 2009 - Ohlone College, Fremont

Additional information and registration

OCA Supports Gary Locke's Nomination as Secretary of Commerce

Washington, DC – On February 24, 2009, President Barack Obama announced that the Honorable Gary Locke, former Governor of Washington, will be his appointee for Secretary of Commerce. OCA, a national Asian Pacific American social justice organization, applauds of the president’s choice. Locke was the United States’ first Chinese American governor.

“OCA is pleased that President Obama will add Gary Locke to his diverse Cabinet,” said OCA National President Ken Lee. "Upon his confirmation, we look forward to working with him, knowing that his position will be of utmost importance during this critical economic time. I know Gary personally and he is the right person for the job.”

In 2005, OCA honored Locke with the OCA Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award during OCA’s Annual National Convention.

The Commerce Department oversees many aspects of international trade and is also responsible for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 2010 Census. Locke served two terms in the state of Washington from 1997 to 2005. He currently works for a Seattle-based law firm on issues involving energy and governmental relations. Locke also was an Honorary Chair of OCA’s Building Campaign.

Sarah Smith | Communications Manager
202.223.5500 | ssmith@ocanational.org