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[Miami, Florida - April 20, 2007] OCA-South Florida Chapter announces the 2007 OCA-Excellence Award V ceremony to be held on May 5, 2007 at Bamboo Garden Banquet Hall – 1232 NE 163 Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33162.
OCA-South Florida Chapter kicks off the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration to honor outstanding Asian Americans and others who have made significant contributions to the quality of life in the South Florida community.
“Pursuing Excellence through Leadership, Diversity and Unity” is the national theme for 2007 APAHM.
Please join us at the OCA-SFL Excellence Award V on May 5 to honor and congratulate them:
Honor Award – Community Service and Cultural Advocacy Award
Coral Springs Chinese Culture Association (CSCCA) 珊瑚 泉 中 華 文化 協 會
Established in 1986, CSCCA’s mission is to promote and facilitate opportunities for people of other cultures to learn more about the Chinese culture, as well as to operate a Chinese Language School. The Chinese Language School is dedicated to teaching Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese as a second language to children. In addition to learning the language, students are systematically introduced to the Chinese culture and history through arts & crafts, calligraphy, Chinese chess, Chinese painting, chorus, folk-dancing and kung-fu. In 1994, CSCCA established a Chinese Library in the Center to build up a collection of Chinese books to promote and preserve Chinese culture in the Chinese community. CSCCA also leads an active youth sports program where youngsters have won numerous trophies in table tennis and basketball tournaments. All these activities take place at the Coral Springs Chinese Cultural Center, a site specifically organized to promote Chinese culture in America, to stimulate interaction between Chinese and American cultures, and to offer all kinds of programs and services to further enhance understanding and appreciation of the Chinese language, tradition, and heritage.
Honor Award – Entrepreneur Achievement Award
Synix International, Inc.
Synix Micro Computers was founded in October 1996 by Betty Lee and Roger Ni. Born in Taiwan, Betty and Roger moved to Miami in 1992. They first set up the business in Orlando, and then moved the headquarters to Miami in 1997. Synix imports PC components directly from manufacturers. The motto of the company is the promise of professional service and competitive pricing to its customers, as well as the guarantee of honesty and credibility to its suppliers. With this professional philosphy, Synix’s sales grew to $5 million. In ten short years, the company rapidly expanded its import and distribution of major brands of PC components and systems to South Florida and Latin America. Both Betty and Roger always believe that giving less-fortunate individuals a second chance is better than feeling sorry for them. To outreach and give-back to the community in appreciation of its business growth, Synix International provides training opportunities to convicted felons so they can have a second chance in life to be productive citizens. As a company, Synix International, Inc. generously supports community programs.
Honor Award – Cultural Advocacy Award
Dan DeCarlo 孔 丹
As a student of Chinese history and culture, Dan DeCarlo studied various world philosophies and religions for over 35 years. Now, known in China by his Chinese name, Kong Dan孔 丹, Dan DeCarlo makes his home in both Boynton Beach, Florida, and Qufu, Shandong Province, China. Dan believes that in order to understand the Chinese people, one must understand Confucius. Not only has Dan spent a lot of time studying Confucius, he also spent half of the year living in Qufu, Confucius’ birthplace. In 1995, Dan moved to Florida as the Neighborhood Specialist for the City of Boynton Beach where he currently resides with his wife Marie and daughters, Emily and Katie. Dan is the founder of the sister city program between Boynton Beach, Florida and Qufu, Shandong Province in 2000. As the US Chairman of the Qufu Sister City Committee, Dan focuses on education issues of English and Culture for high schools in both Qufu and Boynton Beach, with programs such as the Sister City Young Artist Competition in Qufu, and the Fourth Grade Elementary Pen Pal program for both cities. Dan also works tirelessly supporting and promoting the Confucius Institute, whose goal is to promote Chinese language and culture across the country, currently on 18 university sites. He published two bilingual books in China, An American Journey through the I Ching and Beyond and Tao Te Ching. In 1979 and 1980, Dan served in the Missouri House of Representatives with his sense of commitment to community and politics.
Honor Award – Citizen Heroine Award
Ann Carlton 安 嘉 同
Ann’s Chinese grandmother (Lao) married her Russian grandfather (Romanov) in Tienjian in the late 1800s, despite strong objections from both families to this inter-racial union. The family moved from Russia to Rhode Island in 1902 and changed the name to Robinson. In 1932, Ann Robinson was crowned “Miss New Jersey”, making her the first Russian-Chinese American female to earn that title. As a result, Ann began her show business career as a Warner Brothers starlet. During her training, Ann met and married John Carlton. Ann is a quick learner and surprised everyone with everything she learnt. After only six lessons, Ann mastered the Accordion and joined her husband to perform as the “Karrol and Carlton” team. From 1957 to 1963, Ann worked in Public Relations for the US Air Force in the European and Far Eastern theaters. During that time, Ann and John traveled to over 100 countries on four continents for the US State Department – as goodwill musical ambassadors – to bring live entertainment to troops at military bases. The blond-stressed accordionist and her violinist husband accompanied themselves to songs in 14 languages. After serving our country and settling down in Miami, the Carltons became very active in political and community affairs. With Ann’s persistent advocacy efforts, a less-than-50-feet long bridge was built on Biscayne Boulevard, south of NW 79 Street, to replace the old wooden one. Throughout her years in Miami, Ann works tirelessly for the betterment of the community. Ann received a Silver Medal for her Far East Division services and numerous commendations from the City of Miami for her dedication and commitment.
Honor Award – Media Achievement and Community Service Award
United Chinese News of Florida 佛 州大 眾 報
Chinese immigrants usually depend on Chinese-language newspapers for local news, national news, world news and hometown news (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan). These newspapers also serve the immigrant community as a communication tool and bridge to mainstream community. Seeing the need for a Chinese community newspaper in Miami, Johnson Ng and Eileen Liu, in May 2001, launched a Chinese-language newspaper – the United Chinese News of Florida (UCNews). Its mission is to be a voice of our community and as a bridge between the Chinese immigrant community and mainstream society. To better serve the community, the United Chinese News of Florida is free, 10,000 copies published weekly, and distributed to more than 50 distribution points in ten counties from Miami-Dade, to Hillsborough and the Jacksonville area: Chinese grocery stores, Chinese restaurants, Chinese churches, and Chinese language schools. The newspaper operates as an independent local newspaper to maintain its freedom and community orientation. It focuses on community events, economic news, special columns, and interviews. The newspaper added an English section and launched its website in March. The United Chinese News of Florida is recognized for providing excellent news coverage and community service to the Florida Chinese American community.
Posthumous Award – Lifetime Achievement Award
Sir Fernando Muy 梅 培 德 爵 士
Sir Fernando Muy was a remarkable Chinese-American community leader who treated every individual equally and fought for justice for all. For over fifty years, he was totally committed to uniting all Chinese communities and building global harmony. He wholeheartedly supported every worthwhile cause involving the welfare and immigrants’ rights of Chinese-Americans and overseas Chinese. In 2002, the title “Sir” was bestowed upon Fernando Muy as the “25th Knight of the Imperial Byzantine Order of the Star of Asia” by H.I.R.H. Prince Henri Constantine III, the current leader of Byzantine Dynasty of the Eastern Roman Empire. Sir Muy accomplished the impossible. He overcame the language barrier of both Spanish and English. From not knowing any Spanish to speaking it fluently, that enabled him to travel to Latin America; from not speaking any English to addressing the U.S. Congress to voice his concerns on Chinese immigrant issues, Sir Muy set up a model for the rest of us to follow. Most of all, he will be remembered for his philanthropy and chivalry’s spirit of justice, his commitment to advocate for the welfare and advancement of Chinese worldwide, and the promotion of the Chinese culture.
was a remarkable Chinese-American community leader who treated every individual equally and fought for justice for all. For over fifty years, he was totally committed to uniting all Chinese communities and building global harmony. He wholeheartedly supported every worthwhile cause involving the welfare and immigrants’ rights of Chinese-Americans and overseas Chinese. In 2002, the title “Sir” was bestowed upon Fernando Muy as the “25th Knight of the Imperial Byzantine Order of the Star of Asia” by H.I.R.H. Prince Henri Constantine III, the current leader of Byzantine Dynasty of the Eastern Roman Empire. Sir Muy accomplished the impossible. He overcame the language barrier of both Spanish and English. From not knowing any Spanish to speaking it fluently, that enabled him to travel to Latin America; from not speaking any English to addressing the U.S. Congress to voice his concerns on Chinese immigrant issues, Sir Muy set up a model for the rest of us to follow. Most of all, he will be remembered for his philanthropy and chivalry’s spirit of justice, his commitment to advocate for the welfare and advancement of Chinese worldwide, and the promotion of the Chinese culture.
“We would like to take this opportunity to honor individuals who opened new paths to provide leadership in all walks of life, and community leaders who left giant footprints,” stated Winnie Tang, President of OCA-South Florida Chapter. “Each of these individuals, businesses and organizations has made major impact in our lives and contributed tremendously to our community.”
For more information about the OCA-SFL Excellence Award V and tickets, please contact us at 305-753-8791, OCA-SFL@juno.com or visit us at http://khuang.com/OCA-SFL for details.
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“Founded in 1973 as the Organization of Chinese Americans, OCA, a national organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country, is dedicated to advancing the social, economic, and political well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.”
OCA – South Florida Chapter, founded in 1987, is one of OCA’s 80+ chapters and affiliates across the nation.
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OCA – South Florida Chapter
P O Box 562124, Miami, FL 33256
Tel: 305-753-8791 Fax: 305-278-8775
E-mail: OCA-SFL@juno.com
http://khuang.com/OCA-SFL/
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Protect Our Planet Earth and Clean Our Environment
[Miami, Florida - April 3, 2007] OCA-South Florida Chapter will join local South Florida Asian organizations to participate at the annual Miami-Dade County Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day.
This is part of Earth Day events.
Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 by U.S. Senator Graylord Nelson, WI, to promote a healthy and more sustainable planet.
Baynanza, now in its 25th year, is a celebration of Biscayne Bay and its importance as one of Miami-Dade County’s most important ecological and economic systems. Just last year, on April 22nd, this volunteer event drew more than 6,500 community activists out to the shores and islands, who collectively removed more than 30 tons of garbage accumulated along the shores.
Event: Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day
Date: Saturday, April 14, 2007 at 9 am
Place: Haulover Beach Park
10800 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Organizers: OCA - South Florida Chapter and United Chinese Association of Florida
Supported by: Florida Chinese Federation, Coral Springs Chinese Culture Association,
On Leong Chinese Merchant Association, World Kwong Tung Community
Association, Shantung Community Association and NANAY
Activities Schedule:
9:00 am Baynanza - Haulover Beach Park Clean-up
11:30 am Plant a Tree
11:45 am Environmental Protection Q&A Sweepstakes Winners Raffle
12:00 noon Bar-b-Que Picnic, Karaoke Sing-along Games, Kids Drawing Contest
1:30 pm Group Games
2:30 pm Dragon Boats paddle for fun
Before 10 am, parking is FREE. After 10 am, the parking fee is $5.
If you would like to participate, please bring your own recycled cups, forks, bowls, spoons and chopsticks. This will help reduce garbage accumulation for less waste.
Volunteers will receive Free Baynanza 2007 T-shirts on a “first come first served” basis by Miami-Dade County (limited supply).
Free caps for all volunteers will be sponsored by the Organizers.
In addition, all volunteers will receive Community Service Hours from Miami-Dade County. Please arrive prior to 9 am on Saturday, April 14.
If you would like to participate in the Environment Protection Q&A Sweepstakes in Chinese, please visit www.UnitedChineseNews.com. This Q&A Sweepstakes is designed to educate the Chinese community to be more aware of our environment and encourage them to keep it clean. Submission deadline is April 12, 2007.
Please join us… for a day of volunteerism and fun.
For more information or be a volunteer, please contact Winnie Tang at 305-753-8791, April Chang at 954-604-1515 or OCA-SFL@juno.com.
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[Miami, FL - 4/3/2007] OCA-South Florida Chapter will participate at the “Immigration Rights Forum” organized by Militant Labor Forum be part of Night of 1,000 Conversations to hear and voice your concerns to stop the raids and deportations.
DATE: Friday, April 6, at 8 p.m.
PROGRAM: Immigration Rights Forum - Night of 1,000 Conversations
Pre-forum: Dinner at 7 p.m.
PLACE: 8365 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 206, Miami FL
On March 22, 2207, The Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy or “STRIVE Act” of 2007, is a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill (HR 1645) was introduced by Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ).
The STRIVE Act calls for securing the borders, strengthening interior enforcement, a mandatory Electric Employment Verification System for employers to determine eligibility to work, H-2C temporary worker visa, reforms for family-based and employment-based immigrants, and for earned legalization and citizenship.
The STRIVE Act would impact many aspects of immigration law that are of special concern to the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, which represents about 5% of the US population. Asians also constitute approximately 1 million of the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently in the US.
It is time for us to get together to work towards immigration reform that restores basic civil liberties and human rights, protects our core American values of fairness and justice, and defends due process for everyone.
When we exercise our political power that would ensure we can: Stop forcing judges to deport people in America without considering the circumstances; end unfair extreme punishment for minor offenses; protect due process in immigration proceedings and maintain judicial review; uphold the US Supreme Court decision against indefinite detention of immigrants; and stop automatic imprisonment without cause and deportation without due process.
Hear a panel of speakers:
María Rodriguez, Florida Immigrant Coalition
Winnie Tang, President, Organization of Chinese Americans – South Florida chapter
Maggie Trowe, Socialist Worker, Candidate for U.S. Congress in 2006
Current incidents:
- On March 28, 102 Haitian immigrants arrived at Hallandale Beach on a boat. Immigration police were waiting to arrest them, and in the tense situation as the immigrants jumped off the boat one man drowned. Supporters of immigrant rights began organizing protests immediately.
- On March 17, some 700 people rallied in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in support of 361 garment workers arrested in a March 7 raid by 300 armed Immigration and Customs (ICE) officials.
- In January, under pressure of protests, Toys “R” Us reversed its decision not to award a Chinese-American infant whose parents are undocumented immigrants a $25,000 prize for being the first baby born in 2007.
- Last December, ICE raided six Swift meatpacking plants around the country and arrested nearly 1,300 workers accused of immigration law violations. Workers have responded angrily.
- In Miami, immigrant rights organizations have called for a May 1 rally at the Orange Bowl.
“Now, Congress is in session and they will have a bill either in their committees or even being debated on the floor upon returning from the Spring break,” stated Winnie Tang, President of OCA-SFL. “Immigration reform will be at the front of everyone’s attention. The window is now open to influence the final decisions. Come to talk to us about what you’ve seen that seems not right to you, and how we can work together to fix things. Come to tell us what you think the bare minimum of treatment should be for everyone in the US.”
In addition, you may take action to contact your legislator in the next 2 weeks. If you are not sure who your legislator is, please visit the United States House of Representatives website for contact information: www.house.gov.
To participate, there is a suggested donation to the Militant Labor Forum: Program $5 / Dinner $5.
For more information about the Forum, please call 305-756-3346.
For other questions, please contact Winnie Tang at 305-753-8791 or OCA-SFL@juno.com.
Attachment: OCA’s Immigration Fact Sheet on STRIVE.
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