[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ASSOCIATION OF CHINESE- AMERICANS, INC.

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
remarkable organization in my home State of Michigan, the Association 
of Chinese Americans, Inc. The ACA, which promotes the presence of and 
provides services to Chinese Americans in the Greater Detroit area, is 
celebrating its 25th anniversary on April 26, 1997.
  In 1972, Michigan residents of Chinese descent formed the Association 
of Chinese Americans with the motto ``Embracing the hopes and dreams of 
Chinese in the United States.'' The ACA became the first chapter of the 
Organization of Chinese Americans, a national group which helps 
Chinese-Americans preserve and promote their cultural heritage in the 
United States.
  Many people in metropolitan Detroit have benefited from the ACA's 
activities, which includes physical and mental health services and 
legal counseling for people in need. The ACA also sponsors social and 
educational activities for Chinese-American youth, such as dance 
troupes, camping trips, and college scholarships.
  The ACA plays an important role in preserving and promoting elements 
of Chinese culture in the United States, helping to keep Chinese art, 
language, and traditions alive within the Chinese-American community. 
One of America's great strengths is its diversity, and the ACA helps to 
remind us all of the valuable additions Chinese-Americans have made to 
American culture.
  The ACA has encouraged Chinese-Americans to participate in the 
electoral process, and has helped give Chinese-Americans a strong voice 
in our political system. Members of the ACA frequently share their 
opinions, insights, and knowledge of issues which affect the Chinese-
American community with elected officials at all levels of government.
  The Association of Chinese-Americans has been effective in furthering 
the hopes and dreams of Chinese-Americans. I am proud to have such a 
vibrant and important organization in Michigan, and I invite my 
colleagues to join me in offering congratulations to the men and women 
of the ACA on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
  [At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.]

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