[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 20437]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 20437]]

    THE ASSOCIATION OF CHINESE AMERICANS CELEBRATES 28TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Association of Chinese Americans, Detroit Chapter of the National 
Organization of Chinese


Americans, which will celebrate its 28th Anniversary with an Awards 
Ceremony on October 7, 2000. The theme of the evening is Unity, 
Collaboration and Strength, three things the ACA has provided 
Michigan's Chinese American community since its inception in 1972.
  The mission of the ACA is ``to serve the Chinese American community 
in the Greater Detroit area, and to promote the overall presence of 
Chinese Americans.'' In order to do this effectively, members laid out 
six goals for their organization: provide community services to people 
of Chinese heritage; promote the Chinese presence locally and 
nationally through the political system; make sure the voice of the 
Chinese American is heard locally and nationally; promote academic 
excellence in Chinese American youth; promote Chinese heritage through 
the arts; and collaborate with other Chinese/Asian organizations.
  In its effort to achieve above and beyond these goals, the ACA has 
become an active force within the Metropolitan Detroit community. It 
operates service and outreach centers in Detroit, Warren and Plymouth 
which provide assistance to Chinese Americans in immigration matters, 
language classes, citizenship preparation, and registering to vote. It 
sponsors a free health clinic and activities in Detroit Chinatown for 
the language and economically disadvantaged. In addition, the ACA 
sponsors many programs for the entire community, including the Feed the 
Homeless program, flood and emergency disaster relief, and a bone 
marrow drive.
  The ACA provides young Chinese Americans with the opportunity to meet 
people of their own heritage, but also teaches them the benefits of a 
well-balanced routine. Each year the organization sponsors camping 
trips, dancing parties, and basketball games. At the same time, the 
organization has sponsored annual High School Achievement Awards since 
1984. These awards recognize seniors who have achieved academic 
excellence as well as involvement and leadership in extracurricular 
activities. Scholarships funded by the ACA and private donors are also 
provided annually to Chinese Americans seeking higher education.
  Promoting Chinese heritage has always been a fundamental goal of the 
ACA, as members strive not to let their proud ancestry be overlooked or 
forgotten. Events include celebrating Asian American Heritage Month, 
promoting the Chinese New Year Commemorative stamps, and sponsoring or 
cosponsoring a plethora of cultural events. Recently, the ACA held a 
reception for Chinese American author Helen Zia, and on September 9, 
2000, the organization hosted the Michigan premiere of the documentary 
film, ``We Served With Pride,'' which chronicles the effort of Chinese 
American soldiers during World War II.
  I applaud the ACA on the wonderful work it has done in the 
Metropolitan Detroit region. Since its founding in 1972, the 
organization has encouraged Michigan's Chinese Americans to celebrate 
both their Chinese heritage and the lives they have found in the United 
States. It has fought vehemently for the rights of Chinese Americans 
yet remains an inclusive group, offering assistance not only to Chinese 
Americans, but to all Americans. On behalf of the entire United States 
Senate, I congratulate the Association of Chinese Americans on 28 
glorious years, and wish the organization continued success in the 
future.

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