About CACA

History

Against nationwide racial discrimination, a small group of young native-born American of Chinese descent assembled in San Francisco in 1895 to promote citizenship and to improve themselves and their community.  The group was destined to become the Chinese American Citizens Alliance.   Its actions against injustice quickly gained widespread interest.  The Alliance started chapters in California, and reached the east coast.  A first pressing issue was obtaining the citizen¡¯s right to vote.  

In 1921, the Alliance opened the multi-story headquarters in San Francisco. To build a national voice for community, from 1924 the Alliance published for 60 years the only Chinese language daily newspaper-¡°The Chinese Times¡±.  The Alliance supported the 1943 repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

An immigration justice issue of the 1920¡¯s through the 40¡¯ was reuniting wives from China with their Chinese American husbands.  The Alliance¡¯s 20 year campaign succeeded with President Truman signing the 1946 family reunification bill.   The fight began on expanding quotas toward family unity, from that era to the key 1965 immigration law, continuing today in coalitions.

World War II marked the onset of a more positive American attitude toward people of Chinese ancestry.  Dedicated service on war and home fronts earned admiration and gradual social acceptance and economic opportunity.  New Lodges were added in the 1950¡¯s.  Today¡¯s Alliance has a national headquarter plus 16 Lodges and membership exceeding 2,300.

The Alliance is committed to equality and justice in the rights and welfare of Chinese Americans, joining in justice for Vincent Chin, Capt. Jim Wang, and Dr. Wen Ho Lee.  The Alliance protests racial discrimination, still found too often media and advertising. We abide by the principles of our founders.

Goals:

Citizenship

• Defend the Civil Rights of Americans

• Strengthen Chinese American communities through public policy

    and voter education

• Oppose racial discrimination

     Patriotism

• Encourage public and military service by Chinese Americans
• Honor our loyal veterans
• Support fairness in veterans¡¯ benefits

     Values

• Accelerate reunification of the family
• Assure justice and fair treatment for immigrants
• Contribute volunteer efforts and support toward community improvement
• Support equal economic opportunity

      Heritage

• Celebrate Chinese American achievers and role models
• Recognize Chinese American historical sites
• Promote and share our cultural traditions

      Youth Leadership Education

• Extend and broaden our programs
• A. S. I. A. National Leadership Conference
• Walter U. Lum Scholarship
• Harvey Wong Scholarship
• National High School Essay Contest

Many lodges also sponsor local scholarship programs, oratorical competitions, sports activities, and youth clubs.  Fellowship and community activities for families and senior    citizens are always important programs for the CACA.  We invite you to join us!

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