(Washington, DC) The Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA) celebrated its 20 years of service to the District’s Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community today. The celebration highlighted OAPIA’s growth and achievements during its 20 years.

OAPIA began as an unpaid advisory position on Oriental Affairs under former Mayor Marion Barry’s administration in 1982.  By 1987, the position became the special assistant on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. Since its establishment as an Office, OAPIA has been the point of contact between the District’s over 20,000 API residents and government. It has worked with all levels of government to help ensure that the full range of District programs and services are accessible to the District’s API community. 

The 20th Anniversary Celebration was held in the Old Council Chambers at Judiciary Square. 

Myriad pictures of OAPIA’s community activities and programs encircled the Old Council Chambers. Wylie Chen, Commissioner on the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, was the master of ceremony. Guests in the audience represented everyone impacted by OAPIA from API seniors to Executive Directors of API community-based organizations to DC Agency Directors. The program began with Tene Dolphin, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, reading the Mayor’s Proclamation, saluting OAPIA’s service to the District. Other guest speakers included: Martha Watanabe, former Commissioner, Sandy Dang, former Executive Director of Asian American LEAD, and Judy Moy, a community activist and member of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. 

The event concluded with OAPIA’s Director, Soohyun “Julie” Koo, announcing OAPIA’s “Get to Know Us” outreach initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to increase awareness of OAPIA’s activities and services in both the Limited English Proficient API communities and emerging API communities (e.g., South Asians).

“The celebration highlighted the value of OAPIA and its continuing commitment to the District’s Asian and Pacific Islander community over our 20 years of existence. I hope to continue our success in the future!,” said OAPIA’s Director Koo.