The Asian American Congress (AAC) is a vibrant organization of men and women united by a common goal. Because of the diversity of its ideas, the Congress has evolved progressively, expansive in scope. Great deeds and ideas cannot be bound by geographical limitations.
We have extended our help and lent our expertise to people and countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Central America through active collaboration with other foundations. We remain true to the vision of our founders: to provide guidance and strategic vision that supports government in improving the quality of life of our citizenry.
Today, the AAC represents communities tracing their roots to every nation of Asia — no longer confined by ethnic or geographic factors, but global in character and universal in scope.
From a single advisory council in New York City to a congress that is global in character and universal in scope.
The Asian American Advisory Council is formed as the brainchild of the late NYPD Commissioner Hon. Benjamin Ward, Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Hon. W. Holiday, and the late Chief of Patrol, Chief John McCabe — creating a necessary bridge between the various Asian American communities of New York City and the New York Police Department, and a platform from which those communities could collectively voice their concerns.
With the new millennium, the organization drops "Advisory" from its name to become the Asian American Council — no longer just an advisory body, sponsoring seminars with the FBI, NYPD, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security on public safety, immigration, education, fire safety, and economic development.
The Council becomes the catalyst in forging sister-city ties between the City of Rome, NY and Asian cities including Su Seong Metropolitan City, Korea and cities in Fujian Province, China — later helping Atlantic City, NJ and other cities build their own international friendships for trade, culture, and goodwill.
Entering a new phase of growth, the organization restructures, expands its advocacy, and adopts its present name — the Asian American Congress — no longer confined to ethnic or geographic factors, but global in character and universal in scope, with chapters from Asia to Central America.
Building on four decades of trust, the Congress continues to expand its programs in civic engagement, community protection, economic empowerment, and technology — remaining the voice of Asian American communities for the generations ahead.
From police headquarters in New York to villages in sub-Saharan Africa — a record of real service, drawn from our own history.
Seminars and cooperation with the NYPD, FBI, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security on public safety, counter-terrorism, community relations, immigration procedures, and the legal rights of immigrants.
In cooperation with the Tomiko Abe Foundation of Japan, scholarships to children of NYPD and FDNY officers who died in the line of duty — beginning with those who perished in the 9/11 tragedy, later expanded to U.S. Homeland Security officers' children.
With the Stop AIDS Organization of Japan: relief projects in Kenya, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Mozambique; cancer-prevention medicines to Guatemala's national Cancer Prevention Research Center; medical supplies and ambulances.
Catalyst for sister-city agreements between Rome, NY and Su Seong Metropolitan City, Korea and cities in Fujian and Guandong, China — and for Atlantic City, NJ's friendship with Zhanjiang — fostering trade, culture, and international understanding.
Community outreach with the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention on Hot Work Operation fire safety and licensing for torch and welding equipment — creating business opportunities and improving quality of life for Asian American workers.
Annual celebrations honoring public servants and community leaders — including Korean War veterans presented with the "Peace Korea Medal" honors of the Republic of Korea — keeping the memory of sacrifice alive across generations.
Scenes from our annual celebrations and community gatherings — decades of service to the Asian American community.
As Co-Chairman of the Communication Committee, Oshell Oh carries the Congress's message across communities, city agencies, and the international stage. From our own activities record:
Pages from the Asian American Congress anniversary journal: messages, milestones, and the leaders who have walked with us.
Executive Chairman of the Asian American Congress, stewarding the Congress's founding mission of service and bridge-building.
Community liaison and cultural affairs for Chinese American communities.
Central standing committee coordination across chapters and programs.
Leading the Congress's communications, media relations, and community outreach across the Asian American communities.
Flagship programs delivered with community partners, in the languages our families actually speak.
Multilingual voter registration, nonpartisan candidate forums, census campaigns, and an annual Asian American Policy Agenda delivered to elected officials.
A multilingual hate-incident hotline, legal referrals, victim support services, and safety trainings for businesses, community centers, and faith institutions.
A permanent leadership pipeline — public speaking, policy training, internships, mentorship, scholarships, and an annual Youth Congress debating model legislation.
Licensing and tax workshops, digital marketing bootcamps, the "Shop Asian American" directory, access-to-capital partnerships, and emergency recovery aid.
Cultural senior centers, multilingual Medicare navigation, mental health awareness rooted in Asian cultural contexts, and caregiver support networks.
Citizenship workshops, English and civics classes, "Know Your Rights" education, legal referrals, and a new-arrival welcome and mentorship program.
The annual Asian American Heritage Festival, an oral history and photography archive, school curriculum partnerships, and media programs amplifying our creators.
Building on our sister-city legacy — cultural exchange, humanitarian collaboration, and goodwill missions connecting American cities with cities across Asia and beyond.
Continuing our founding mission as a trusted bridge between Asian American communities, law enforcement, and government at the city, state, and federal levels.
Proposed next-generation initiatives — using data, technology, and partnership to serve our communities in new ways.
Community data briefs and research reports that make Asian American needs visible — turning evidence into policy change.
Free digital-literacy and AI-skills classes for elders, immigrants, and small business owners — no one left behind by the technology era.
A standing coalition of clinicians and community groups expanding culturally competent, in-language mental health care.
Capacity-building workshops, shared resources, and re-granted funds strengthening Asian-led, Asian-serving nonprofits.
A standing emergency fund allowing the AAC to respond within days when urgent community needs emerge.
Job-readiness workshops, credential navigation, and employer partnerships leading to family-sustaining careers.
Become a member. Volunteer at a festival. Mentor a student. Sponsor a program. However you join us, you become part of a movement four decades strong.
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