OCA Celebrates Lunar New Year with Year of the Dragon Stamp
For Immediate Release
January 25, 2024
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Fellow
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates celebrated the Lunar New Year with the Year of the Dragon commemorative stamp released by the United States Postal Service. The unveiling of the stamp took place in Seattle, Washington, and was attended by former OCA National President Claudine Cheng, OCA - Greater Seattle President Dr. Connie So, and local community members.
The Year of the Dragon Stamp was the fifth stamp in the third series of the Lunar New Year commemorative stamp program.
Jean Chen, a member of the OCA - Georgia chapter, started a campaign in 1986 to create a stamp that would celebrate the cultures and history of AAPI communities. Five years later, OCA National President Claudine Cheng led a nationwide effort to persuade the United States Postal Service to approve the idea. The proposal received widespread support and the first Lunar New Year Stamp, featuring the Year of the Rooster, was revealed at the OCA National Convention in San Jose in 1992.
In response to the overwhelming interest in the stamp, the United States Postal Services proceeded to issue the entire 12-year cycle of the stamp. A second series followed in 2008 and, with the persistent advocacy of Cheng, the third series was approved to continue the celebration of the AAPI community.
“The stamp is more than just postage,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates President Linda Ng. “It is a symbol of the rich and diverse AAPI cultural heritage that spans the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands. Lunar New Year is one of the many traditions that unite the AAPI community in celebration and joy. OCA is grateful for the support of AAPIs and other allies across the nation for the Lunar New Year commemorative stamp program, and we will continue to collaborate with the United States Postal Service to create more stamps that reflect the beauty and diversity of AAPI heritage.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Year of the Dragon stamp," said OCA - Greater Seattle President Dr. Connie So. "This stamp is the result of decades of advocacy and collaboration by OCA leaders and members, who have worked tirelessly to promote the recognition and inclusion of AAPI cultures and history in the United States. We thank the United States Postal Service for their continued support and partnership in this meaningful project, and we hope that this stamp will inspire and educate people of all backgrounds about the significance and beauty of the Lunar New Year.”
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About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.