5 Asian-American Organizations in New York City
New York City has long been known for having a diverse population of people from a multitude of different places, cultures, and backgrounds. The city is home to many Asian Americans and the organizations listed here work with Asian and non-Asian communities to deepen cultural understanding, fight for equality, and empower people. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
NYC Organizations That Focus On Asian Americans
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| Asian Americans for Equality | Preserve affordable housing throughout New York and provide new opportunities for the city's diverse immigrant communities |
| China Institute | Advance a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art, and business |
| MinKwon Center for Community Action | Empower the Korean American community and work with the wider Asian American and immigrant communities to achieve economic and social justice for all |
| The Committee of 100 | Promote the full participation of Chinese Americans in American society, act as a public policy resource for the Chinese-American community, and advance constructive dialogue and relationships between the peoples and leaders of the United States and Greater China |
| Museum of Chinese in America | Make Chinese American history accessible to the general public and encourage the understanding and appreciation of Chinese American arts, culture, and history |
Statistics About Asian Americans
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2017
- There are approximately 22.2 million Asian residents in the U.S.
- 2.4% of Asian Americans are veterans
- 53% of Asian Americans 25 or older have a bachelor's degree or higher
- 87.5% of Asian Americans 25 or older have a high school diploma or equivalency
- There are approximately 555,262 Asian-owned employer firms in the U.S.
Demographics Of The Asian American Population
The term "Asian American" covers a large number of people descended from many different countries. Here are the ten largest groups of Asian Americans residing in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2017
| Group | Estimated Population In The U.S. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chinese | 5,025,817 |
| 2. | Asian Indian | 4,402,362 |
| 3. | Filipino | 4,037,564 |
| 4. | Vietnamese | 2,104,217 |
| 5. | Korean | 1,887,914 |
| 6. | Japanese | 1,466,514 |
| 7. | Pakistani | 544,640 |
| 8. | Cambodian | 331,733 |
| 9. | Thai | 319,794 |
| 10. | Hmong | 309,564 |
What It Means To Grow Up Asian American
In Depth
In the 1960s, the Asian American Movement forged a collective identity and shared political struggle from what had been a disparate group of distinct national and ethnic communities. That legacy lives on through a rich assortment of organizations that fight for the interests of Asian Americans today. This list, presented in no particular order, highlights some of those in the New York City area, which address everything from language education to business relations.
For #1, we've got Asian Americans for Equality. Founded in 1974 to advocate for equal rights, A.A.F.E. has transformed in the past four decades to become one of New York's preeminent housing, social service, and community development organizations. Members are committed to preserving affordable housing throughout the five boroughs and to providing new opportunities for the city's diverse immigrant communities.
Through its Lower Manhattan Affordable Housing Preservation Program, the group has acquired and rehabilitated dilapidated buildings, helping to stem the tide of gentrification and to stabilize neighborhoods. A community services division assists with tenant issues, immigration, and other challenges to quality of life. The affiliated Renaissance Economic Development Corporation provides small business loans to Asian Americans. Get involved by participating in one of the organization's events.
A community services division assists with tenant issues, immigration, and other challenges to quality of life.
Coming in at #2 is China Institute, the oldest bicultural, nonprofit organization in America to focus exclusively on the most populous Asian nation. Chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York as a provider of continuing education, the organization's School of Chinese Studies, founded in 1933, is also the longest standing educational center of its kind in the country. Its more recently established Center for Business facilitates a forum on the interaction of U.S. and Chinese corporations.
The Manhattan-based school offers classes, courses, and seminars in Chinese language, history, literature, as well as arts and culture. For toddlers, kids, and teens, there are summer camps and immersion programs. In addition to language, adults can study brush painting, calligraphy, and tai chi. A comprehensive professional development series allows educators to enhance their knowledge of China's past and present. To support the group, consider becoming a member.
#3: MinKwon Center for Community Action, which has a mission to empower Korean Americans and work with the wider Asian American and immigrant communities to achieve economic and social justice for all. Established in 1984 by activist Yoon Han Bong, the group started out by offering educational programs and social services, monthly political forums, and a 3000-volume library. Since, it has pursued the vision of a just and equitable society where all people can live in harmony.
Since, it has pursued the vision of a just and equitable society where all people can live in harmony.
Today, the center supports advocacy and community organizing initiatives, representing constituents' needs and demands at the local, state, and federal levels through targeted campaigns which are member-led. It also formed a civic participation coalition to increase Asian American voter turnout. The group continues to assist with a range of free social and legal services. Another arm encourages high school students to tackle issues of injustice. Find out more by browsing through an array of online resources.
The #4 spot is held by The Committee of 100, a non-partisan leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, and the arts. The group was inspired by a conversation between renowned architect I.M. Pei and a noted U.S. secretary of state, who wished to mobilize Chinese Americans on behalf of Washington's diplomatic interests. It was not formally set into motion until later, following the reaction generated by the 1989 Tiananmen events.
The committee's purpose is to provide leadership and to act as a constructive force in promoting the civic participation of Chinese Americans and advancing dialogue between the United States and the Middle Kingdom. Initiatives include public policy engagement programs, efforts to raise awareness of existing and emerging societal challenges for Americans of Chinese descent, and philanthropic projects. Discover more at one of the group's annual conferences.
Initiatives include public policy engagement programs, efforts to raise awareness of existing and emerging societal challenges for Americans of Chinese descent, and philanthropic projects.
Concluding the list at #5, it's the Museum of Chinese in America. The institution is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. It promotes dialogue and understanding among people of all backgrounds, bringing the past to life through exhibitions, plus educational and cultural programs. MOCA hopes to increase the visibility of the myriad voices and identities that make up this community.
Exhibitions display and contextualize a wide range of artworks, objects, and archival materials; a season might see simultaneous shows on labor history, cultural movements, and photography, for example. A large permanent collection preserves little known immigrant heritage, with items from the 19th century through the recent past. Educational offerings are available to schools, teachers, families, and students. See what the museum has to offer by visiting its galleries.
