Asian American Coalition Celebrates A Milestone

By: Lourdes G Mon

 

Who would believe that for 40 years, the Asian American Coalition of Chicago maintains resilience and cohesiveness among the Asian community members in spite of their very different and distinct cultural backgrounds. AACC has never been replicated in the manner it has functioned. There is completely no politics in the rotational yearly leadership of the member Asian American communities. We are very respectful of each other’s diversity.

Strange as it may seem, forty years ago, the first Asian Lunar New Year Gala was held not on an Asian place, but at White Eagle Banquets in Niles, a Polish venue. The coalition came to being as a result of the appointment of the Illinois Special Assistant for Asian American Affairs, first of its kind, by then Governor James Thompson, and appointed the late Shinae Chun in that position. Ms. Chun organized an Asian American Advisory Board, which became the conduit between the Illinois state government and the Asian American community at-large. Before her untimely death, Ms. Chun was the director of the Women’s Bureau of the US Department of Labor.

AACC embodies a true spirit of building bridges across cultural diversities; committed to enhancing the positive image of Asian Americans, supports representations of Asian Americans in government, promoting public awareness of the significant contributions of Asian Americans in the economic growth of the country, recognizing the academics and volunteerism of Asian America youth, among others.

Currently, there are 10 Asian member communities that comprise the AACC Board of Directors; namely, Chinese (Dr. Karen Eng & Atty. Anne Shaw), Filipino (Atty. Aurora Austriaco & Lourdes Mon), Indian (Judge Aileen Bhandari & Rajinder Mago), Indonesian ((Martino Tangkar), Japanese (Karen Kanemoto & Megan Nakano), Korean (Paul Park & Kay Kihwa Rho), Malaysian (Dr. Kim Tee & Catherine Wang), Pakistani (Rashid Chaudary & Sadruddin Noorani), Thai (James Limson & Nancy Suvarnamani), and Vietnamese (Tran Khanh & Doug Nguyen). Others who participate but have not attempted to host the annual Lunar New Year Gala include the Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Sri-Lankan, Singaporean and Myanmar.

AACC is by no means perfect in every way. However, in the 40 years of its existence there have never been any feuding , in-fighting or indifference. One of the reasons is that we have a completely open communication and every one is supportive in the success of the community hosting the annual main event. This is an unwritten rule that everyone abides by.

At the gala, there are four awards given out to deserving recipients. First, the Pan Asian Ping Tom Memorial Award. It is given to an Asian American who has exemplified outstanding leadership that improves the lives of people. Ping Tom was one of founders of AACC, a highly respected leader, who made a tremendous impact and commitment to his civic duties with city, county, and state programs. Second, the Grand Asian Sandra Otaka Memorial Award is given to a non-Asian, who has demonstrated exemplary and meritorious service to the Asian American community. Judge Sandra Otaka was the first Asian American appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court. Third, the Exemplary Community Service Award, given to Asian Americans who have made significant volunteer service to their respective communities especially in alleviating the challenges that beset needy people. And finally, the Youth Who Excels Award, It is given to students of Asian heritage, who demonstrate exemplary academic achievements and scholarships, as well as a contributing member of their school and community through volunteerism.

One of the key components of AACC is that it represents the Asian communities (the people) living in the Chicagoland area, irrespective of their Asian homeland. It does not represent any particular country. It has been decided early on that no Asian flag should be posted during the gala celebrations. The only colors that are posted on stage are those of the United States of America and the State of Illinois, with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Most years, the Great Lakes Navy is invited to perform the ceremony.

Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to feature Asian American Coalition of Chicago, of which I have participated in since it’s in inception 40 years ago. This year, the Vietnamese Community just concluded a most successful gala at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. We are looking forward to next year’s event to be hosted by the Japanese community. Plans are now underway, and it will be held at Drury Lane Theater & Events, Oak Brook, Il. More power and continued success to AACC.