In light of recent events, change is needed. OCA-DC condemns the racist and xenophobic remarks by Maryland General Assembly Delegates. We urge the video’s immediate removal.
Please see this article for more information: /2026/05/12/lawmakers-condemn-deeply-offensive-racist-video-targeting-immigrant-delegate/
Apply now for the OCA-DC High School Board! We are looking for dedicated, passionate students who are ready to fight for a more equatable society. Apply now and DM us if you have any questions!
“No history, no self. Know history, know self.” – Jose Rizal
On 4/7, HB1059 was heard in the Senate EEE Committee—and the message was clear: AAPI history is American history. In the Q&A, Jasper reminded the committee that Asian soldiers served during the Civil War—just one example of how AAPI communities have been present in every chapter of our nation’s story. And yet, these stories are still missing from our classrooms.
HB1059 is how we change that.
OCA-DC was proud to stand with Delegate Kriselda Valderrama-Lobo to push this bill forward.
🚨Now it’s your turn🚨
Quick Tiktok Throwback from the JACL/OCA Leadership Summit! Thank you State Farm for always being an incredible partner especially @katherindcoleman for always supporting us and making tiktok’s with us 🥳
Sometimes we do have miscommunication haha 😆 😥
🚨 HB1059 PASSED the Maryland House! 🚨
This is a the furthest an AAPI education bill has advanced in the last 6 years and a huge victory for Asian American curriculum in our schools! 🙌
But the work isn’t over! Next up: Senate Education, Energy, and Environment (EEE) Committee. We need YOUR voice to help pass this bill!
We also want to extend a huge thank-you to OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Greater Washington DC Chapter, the Asian Americans Center of Frederick (AACF), and the office of Delegate Kris Valderrama, along with all of our co-sponsors, for leading in-person testimony and efforts.
To everyone who helped support this bill over the past six years, thank you so much for your tremendous support. We can’t wait to continue moving it toward the Governor’s desk.
Grateful to Kris Delegate Valderrama for holding the torch and championing HB1059: Asian American History – Professional Development and Library Materials Act. Your leadership has ensured that AAPI history—and our communities—are never invisible in Maryland’s classrooms. In addition, all the student testimonies, virtual, written, and in person, you all ROCK!
Powerful testimonies from students and community leaders reminded us exactly why this bill matters, and we’re thankful for the strong support from the Maryland State Education Association.
