Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Chicago
About Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates Chicago
Founded by K.L. Wang and Alex Mark in 1973, the Organization of Chinese Americans evolved into OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a grassroots movement that has grown from three chapters to 35 affiliates nationwide. Today, OCA Greater Chicago serves as a vital community hub for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the Chicago, IL region, connecting hundreds of thousands of AAPI individuals annually to professional development, leadership opportunities, and civil rights advocacy.
What sets OCA Greater Chicago apart is its deep commitment to reflecting the authentic needs and voices of the AAPI community. The organization recognized that as the community grew and diversified, its advocacy needed to expand beyond its original Chinese American focus to embrace all Asian Pacific Islander communities. This evolution demonstrates OCA's responsiveness to its members and dedication to inclusive representation.
The organization tackles issues that directly impact daily life: fighting xenophobia and identity-based harassment, preserving historic cultural neighborhoods threatened by gentrification, and ensuring voting rights protection. OCA Greater Chicago also champions intergenerational wellness by addressing mental health stigma and supporting caregiving needs within families. By combining grassroots community organizing with strategic policy advocacy at state and national levels, OCA Greater Chicago empowers AAPI individuals to become informed, engaged citizens while preserving community history and fighting for equitable treatment and opportunity.