The Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) was proud to serve as the local host chapter for the 2026 OCA National Convention, held July 23–26 in Detroit. Under the theme “Motown Momentum: Igniting New Energy, Inspiring All Generations,” the four-day gathering brought together OCA members, community leaders, advocates, professionals, students, and partners from across the country to connect, learn, and advance OCA’s mission.
As the founding chapter of OCA, ACA was especially honored to welcome fellow chapters and delegates to our hometown. The convention offered our members a valuable opportunity to reconnect with longtime friends, meet representatives from other OCA chapters, exchange ideas and best practices, and build relationships for future collaboration—all while showcasing the energy, diversity, and hospitality of Detroit and Michigan’s Asian American community.
A Warm Detroit Welcome
The convention kicked off Thursday evening with a Welcome Reception hosted by DTE Energy at its downtown Detroit headquarters.
The reception brought together delegates from across the country in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Old friends reconnected, new relationships were formed, and attendees began a weekend centered on leadership, community, and collaboration.
For ACA, it was particularly meaningful to welcome the national OCA family to Detroit and introduce visitors to the city that our organization has called home for more than five decades.
Learning, Leadership, and a Shared Mission
Friday and Saturday featured a robust schedule of plenary sessions and breakout workshops addressing issues that advance OCA’s mission and strengthen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Sessions explored topics ranging from civil rights and civic engagement to leadership development, community organizing, youth empowerment, cross-community collaboration, and strategies for strengthening OCA chapters.
ACA delegates participated throughout the convention, learning from national speakers while sharing experiences with representatives from chapters across the country. These conversations were among the most valuable aspects of the convention, creating opportunities to learn from one another and explore new ways to collaborate beyond the four-day gathering.
ACA Receives Two National Chapter Awards
A particularly proud moment came during the Chapter of the Year Awards Luncheon, when OCA National recognized the accomplishments of chapters across the country.
ACA was honored to receive two national recognitions:
Third Place — Membership Award
Third Place — Community Building Award
The Membership Award recognizes ACA’s continued efforts to engage and grow our membership, while the Community Building Award reflects our commitment to bringing people together, developing partnerships, and creating programs that strengthen the communities we serve.
These awards belong to the entire ACA family. Our accomplishments would not be possible without the dedication of our members, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners who contribute their time, resources, ideas, and energy throughout the year.
Celebrating Community at the Night Market
Friday evening brought a different kind of energy with the Community Night Market, a lively celebration that connected convention attendees with the local community.
Community organizations, businesses, volunteers, and participants came together for an evening of food, culture, entertainment, and conversation. The Night Market gave visiting delegates an opportunity to experience the diversity and vitality of the Detroit area while creating an informal space for new friendships and connections to grow.
It was also an opportunity for ACA and our local partners to share a glimpse of the community we are proud to serve.
Honoring Leadership at the Awards Gala
On Saturday evening, convention attendees gathered at Detroit’s historic Masonic Temple for the OCA National Awards Gala, celebrating individuals whose leadership, partnership, and service have made a meaningful impact on their communities.
Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang received the Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award, recognizing her leadership and commitment to public service.
Henry Duong was honored with the Community Builder Award for his dedication to strengthening community.
Kameelah Shareef Sims received the Outstanding Partner of the Year Award, recognizing her partnership and support of OCA’s mission.
The Pioneer Award was presented to three distinguished honorees—Curtis Chin, Lisa Gray, and Deepa Iyer—recognizing their significant contributions to advocacy, civil rights, community leadership, and the advancement of Asian American communities.
The evening was both a celebration of achievement and a powerful reminder of what committed individuals and communities can accomplish together.
Connections That Continue Beyond the Convention
While ACA is proud of the two national awards we brought home, the most meaningful outcome of the convention extends far beyond recognition.
Over four days, our members met delegates from OCA chapters throughout the country, exchanged ideas, discussed common challenges, and developed new relationships. Those connections strengthen not only ACA but the broader OCA network and our collective ability to serve and advocate for our communities.
As OCA’s founding chapter, ACA has been part of this national movement since its beginning. Hosting the 2026 National Convention in Detroit gave us an opportunity to celebrate that history while looking toward the future.
ACA extends its sincere appreciation to OCA National, DTE Energy, convention sponsors, speakers, volunteers, community partners, and everyone who traveled to Detroit to make the 2026 OCA National Convention a memorable success.
We are also deeply grateful to our own ACA members and volunteers who helped welcome guests and represent our community throughout the convention.
The convention may have concluded, but the momentum continues.
Motown Momentum: Igniting New Energy, Inspiring All Generations.
ACA looks forward to building on the friendships, ideas, and partnerships formed in Detroit as we continue working toward a stronger, more connected, and more empowered community.
