Chinese American Citizens Alliance, at 114-years the oldest Asian American national civil rights and community empowerment organization, has unanimously elected Carolyn Chan [陳湯美屏] of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as national Grand President for the term 2009-2011. In her acceptance remarks at the 50th Biennial National Convention, Chan vowed to “exercise vigilance and guard against discrimination.” Also chosen to the new Board of 24 members were Executive Vice President Virginia C. Gee [朱雲清, San Francisco], Planning Vice President Winston Wu [伍健, Los Angeles], Communications VP Edmond Gor [敖錦賜, Houston], and Membership VP John Y. Wong [黃錦渭, San Gabriel Valley].

Other officers were:

Rusty Chan, Secretary
Faye Woo Lee, Assistant Secretary
Herbert H. Gee, Treasurer
Kenneth Tong, Auditor
Randy Young, Auditor
James Bok Wong, Marshal
Joan Sung, Sentinel

Remaining Directors (Grand Executives) are:

Davace Chin, Joanna Tom, Albert Fong, Rudy Yee, David Leong, Helen Ying, David Lee, Melanie Chan, Susan Hum, Michael Ten, George Leung, William Mei

C.A.C.A. proudly became one of the first groups to recognize Rep. Judy M. Chu, presenting her a Congratulations plaque for her historical achievement elected as the first Chinese American woman in the U.S. Congress. Chu will serve as a crucial and progressive voice for Southern California and all Asian Pacific Islanders at the national capital. At the Convention Opening, Chu recounted her first day, starting with ceremonial speeches and ending with an immediate health care bill hearing lasting to 3 a.m.!

Other notable speakers at the 4-day Convention were California Controller John Chiang, and Assemblymen Michael Eng and Ted Lieu. Past Grand Pres. Nowland Hong gave a splendid illustrated narrative on the Huntington Library’s new Chinese Garden, a touring highlight for attendees. Saturday’s keynoters at the Grand Ball were California Senate Pro Tem Leader Senator Gloria Romero and Federal Judge Ronald Lew [劉成威聯邦法官]. Dr. Romero presented a dramatic, scholarly accounting of the legacy and contributions of Chinese in California since 1820, against challenging odds and harsh discrimination.

Judge Lew is also one of four national honorees, recipients of the Alliance’s Spirit of America Awards for pioneering and impacting achievements of a regional and national nature in Chinese American communities. The first appointed Chinese American Federal Judge, Judge Lew has been a leader and role model for years. Also honored was Irvin R. Lai [黎國威], for a lifetime of key battles against injustice and disrespect affecting Chinese Americans. Mary Eng of San Antonio, TX, was recognized for her efforts in cultural preservation of Chinese American heritage. The fourth honoree, Rep. Michael Honda, could not be present. He is saluted as one of the nation’s foremost leaders who is Asian Americans. C.A.C.A. commends him for persistence in defending our history and rectifying it to assure an accurate Asian American legacy. In this case recognition is particularly for his role in championing 2008 House Resolution 415, Recognition for Asian Americans Fighting in the American Civil War.

An important objective of the Biennial National Convention is the definition of public policy guidelines for the national Board in the next two years. In the area of discrimination, hate crimes, and civil rights, measures were passed supporting an Apology from Congress for acts of discrimination historically against Chinese Americans, now that such an act has passed the California legislature. Policies to support combating hate crimes in schools (Larry’s law) are advocated. The opposition to workplace raids by immigration enforcement is endorsed. Support for comprehensive immigration reform, maintaining legal immigration, remains the Alliance priority. On the other hand, after an eloquent, in-depth debate examining both sides of the question, the bill “In Support of Family Relations,” namely gay marriage, was set down and tabled this time.

One focus is a call for better national attention to diseases genetically prevalent among Asians such as hepatitis B and types of cancer and improved public health policies and services. Another area is concern for cultural and historical preservation and the call for national action about Chinese Americans and their history and heritage. Positions have been taken to improve the rights and privileges for the underserved and deprived Asian American students, especially in the college environment. The centerpieces here are equity in UC admissions for Asian Americans and passage of the national DREAM act to aid youth from families of the undocumented.

A bid for the next Biennial National Convention, to be held in late July, 2011, from Houston (Texas) Lodge was accepted. ###